MAFS groom Adrian Araouzou breaks his silence on online backlash, his regrets and his unexpected bond with bride Awhina Rutene

Married At First Sight’s Adrian Araouzou has lifted the lid on his tumultuous experience in the experiment – addressing the harsh online backlash.

The outspoken groom also spoke about the emotional toll of reality TV, and the real reason he stayed in the experiment despite being paired with a bride who had a child.

In a raw interview with Daily Mail Australia, the Sydney-based sportswear entrepreneur, 30, admitted he was left reeling after watching his edit back on TV – and confessed he wasn’t prepared for the avalanche of criticism that followed.

‘We’re not taught how to handle those things,’ he said. ‘Watching yourself on TV make some mistakes and having everyone judge you online – it’s a lot. It was a new experience for everyone on the cast.’

The fiery groom was paired with Awhina Rutene, a 30-year-old single mum from Western Australia, and became one of the most divisive figures of the 2025 season. Adrian says the version of himself viewers saw wasn’t the full picture.

‘There’s the edit – and then there’s the truth,’ he explained. ‘I know what was shown. But a lot of the reasons behind certain situations, especially involving Awhina’s son and the logistics of our lives, weren’t included. That was frustrating.’ 

Married At First Sight’s Adrian Araouzou (pictured) has lifted the lid on his tumultuous experience in the experiment – addressing the harsh online backlash

In a raw interview with Daily Mail Australia, the Sydney-based sportswear entrepreneur, 30, admitted he was left reeling after watching his edit back on TV – and confessed he wasn’t prepared for the avalanche of criticism that followed. Pictured with Awhina Rutene

Adrian and Awhina faced a number of roadblocks from the get-go – most notably, the challenge of living in different states and Awhina’s responsibilities as a mother.

The groom revealed he specifically asked not to be matched with someone who had a child before filming began – but when he met Awhina, he made a choice to push past his reservations.

‘I asked for someone open-minded. Who would I be if I wasn’t open-minded in that moment?’ he said.

‘It wasn’t what I wanted, but I chose to stay and give it a shot.’ 

Despite the rocky start, Adrian said his feelings for Awhina were ‘definitely developing,’ and the pair built a deep connection off-camera – even going ‘missing’ one weekend and spending time with fellow groom Tony in Shellharbour, away from production.

‘We weren’t supposed to, but we got an Airbnb and spent three days together after the final dinner party,’ he revealed. ‘That’s why the final vows ended the way they did – because we knew what we had was real.’ 

Addressing accusations that he stayed on the show for clout or airtime, Adrian didn’t hold back. 

‘Imagine being stuck in a room with someone 24/7 that you don’t like. You will leave. The perfect example is Billy and Sierah – they were done,’ he said.

‘We’re not taught how to handle those things,’ he said. ‘Watching yourself on TV make some mistakes and having everyone judge you online – it’s a lot’

Despite the rocky start, Adrian said his feelings for Awhina were ‘definitely developing,’ and the pair built a deep connection off-camera – even going ‘missing’ one weekend and spending time with fellow groom Tony in Shellharbour, away from production

‘If you’re gonna hate on me, I’ll give you a reason to. Judging me off a show – that’s not who I really am.’ 

He admitted that he struggled with how to respond to the backlash, often turning defensive online as a coping mechanism.

Adrian said he now regrets not being more self-aware during filming – particularly in moments where Awhina was visibly upset.

‘Watching it back, I was like, damn. I didn’t see that at the time. I had my walls up. I was thinking about myself and being selfish,’ he said. ‘I should have done better.’ 

Despite everything, Adrian insists he has no regrets. 

‘As cheesy as it sounds, I don’t have any regrets,’ he said. ‘We go into this experiment knowing we have flaws – the whole point is to become a better person. And I’ve done that.’

The self-proclaimed ‘main character’ of MAFS season 12 also hopes viewers are finally starting to see the real him.

‘I’m not perfect. I never have been and I never will be. But what you’re seeing now – that’s the real me,’ he said. ‘Hopefully, this is the biggest redemption in MAFS history.’ 

And with final vows still to come, Adrian teased something viewers have never seen before – and hinted that, for him and Awhina, it might not be over just yet.