MAFS Australia's Mel issues apology for her 'insensitive' treatment of husband Luke
Fans haven't been happy
Married At First Sight Australia is now in full swing here in the UK! With all of the weddings and honeymoons out of the way, the first dinner party has taken place, and now the couples are taking part in the new and improved 'Revelation Week'.
As fans will know, viewers here in the UK are a few weeks behind Australia, with episode eight only airing on E4 on Thursday 19th March.
This however hasn't stopped fans noticing Mel Akbay's opinion on her new husband Luke Fourniotis....
As well as admitting at the first dinner party that she was "excited" to speak to someone that wasn't her husband, things went from bad to worse for the pair when they moved in together, with viewers left in shock when Mel placed him second on the classic photo ranking challenge (the only bride to do so).
Later on in the challenge, Luke opened up to his wife about the way he was feeling, admitting he was going to spend the night in a different apartment, which resulted in Mel telling production she had the "ick" and that "it seems like he's sulking."
Although UK fans haven't yet seen the outcome of the pair's MAFS journey, Mel has now taken to social media to release a public apology, after receiving backlash both here in the UK, and over in Australia.
She wrote on Instagram: 'Over the past few weeks I've watched parts of myself on TV that have been difficult to see. There were moments where l didn't communicate well and came across insensitive. For that, I'm truly sorry to anyone who felt hurt or offended.
'This experience has been a huge learning curve for me. I'm not perfect, and seeing things play back has made me reflect on how I handle certain moments. All I can do is acknowledge it and keep growing.' (sic)
Mel also apologised for a previous comment she made about stalking, adding that she does not condone that behaviour.
She wrote: 'I also want to apologise for the comment I made about "stalking". I do not think stalking is funny and I absolutely do not condone that behaviour. I was referring to something from when I was 17 and joking with friends, and it was careless of me to say it the way I did. I regret it.'
As well as apologising, Mel used the post to clear a few things up, including her relationship with Luke's sisters, and a scene circulating which appeared to show Luke sleeping on the floor.
She added: 'First, from the wedding episode. I did not ignore Luke's sisters. I went over, hugged them and spoke with them, as well as his mum, who were all lovely to me. I genuinely wish them all the best.
'Another moment that's been circulating is the scene about Luke sleeping on the floor with a towel. That was said jokingly between us in the moment. Luke slept in the bed the entire time.
'Lastly, I'm sorry for not developing romantic feelings for Luke and that the experiment didn't go the way we both would've hoped. Luke is a good person and I genuinely wish him the best.'
Mel concluded, adding: 'At the end of the day, I'm still learning like everyone else. I care deeply about treating people with kindness and respect.
'I hope people can allow me the space to move forward and show who I really am'. (sic)
Following the pair's disagreement during episode eight, fans will have to wait and see what happens at the first commitment ceremony, which is due to air here in the UK next week.
MAFS Australia airs every Monday-Thursday on E4.
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