- What really happened between MAFS Australia’s Jacqui and Ryan is being unraveled in court, with both sides filing serious legal claims.
- Mutual Legal Action: Jacqui’s restraining order vs. Ryan’s ADVO represent escalating legal countermeasures.
- Social Media Courtroom: Both parties leveraged TikTok and Instagram to rally public sentiment.
- Next Court Date: The legal saga continues on July 29, 2025, when detailed hearings will occur.
- Public and Private Lives Blurred: With Jacqui now engaged to Clint Rice, the courtroom drama continues to be played out under media spotlight.
The fiery couple from Married at First Sight Australia, Jacqui Burfoot and Ryan Donnelly, are now taking their dramatic break-up from reality TV to the courtroom.
Their relationship, which featured sharp “final vows,” accusations flying both ways, and a heated social media feud, has led to a complicated legal situation with restraining orders and Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).
From Reality Show Drama to Legal Drama
Their rocky connection was highlighted by some pretty biting comments on screen: Jacqui labeled Ryan “the red carpet of red flags,” while he referred to her as a “high-maintenance nightmare.” Yet, once filming wrapped last November, the tension didn’t ease; in fact, it escalated.
Jacqui’s Interim Restraining Order
In March-April 2025, Jacqui decided to take legal action, securing an interim restraining order in Tasmania. She accused Ryan of sharing private intimate content without her consent—often referred to as “revenge porn”—and claimed he made physical threats during their time living together for the MAFS experiment.
The court ordered Ryan to refrain from harassing, threatening, or posting negative content about Jacqui. However, Jacqui was also warned to avoid making public statements that could violate the order.
Ryan’s ADVO Application
Not one to back down easily, Ryan filed for an ADVO in April 2025, arguing that Jacqui’s claims on social media were “vicious” and “malicious,” tarnishing his reputation and career post-MAFS, and causing him emotional distress.
He expressed outside court, “Someone has tried to ruin my life and my potential career opportunities, using false accusations. Men can be victims too.”
Clash of Truths on Social Media
In response, Jacqui hit back on TikTok and Instagram, calling Ryan’s ADVO claims “false statements” and accusing him of misusing the court process. She insisted that their relationship only lasted a mere three months instead of nine and that she never contacted him after filming wrapped.
She also clarified her absence from court: she had emailed the registrar and was told she could participate remotely.
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June 23 Court Face-Off: What Went Down
On June 23, 2025, Jacqui, joined by her fiancé Clint Rice and a bodyguard, came face-to-face with Ryan for the first time at Campbelltown Local Court. Ryan’s lawyer, Daniel Wakim, mentioned that both parties were “open to an amicable resolution,” but they still needed to strengthen their arguments.
Ryan shared with reporters that the entire experience had been “very difficult.” The hearing was paused to give Jacqui time to prepare her official response. Their next court date is set for July 29, 2025, with no binding orders in place just yet.
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Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
