In the latest episode of Married at First Sight Australia, contestant Awhina Rutene found herself amid controversy when a comment made by participant Carina Mirabile sparked a strong response from Awhina’s twin sister, Cleo Rutene. During the Honesty Letter task, Awhina’s partner, Paul Antoine, revealed that Carina had made remarks questioning his past relationship with Cleo, suggesting disbelief over his choice of partner.
Cleo Responds to Carina’s Remarks
In reaction to the unfolding drama, Cleo took to social media on March 10, 2025, sharing her perspective via a video on the MAFS Gossip Instagram page. She indicated that she had been supportive of Paul and Carina’s relationship, but was taken aback by Carina’s judgment of her based on physical appearance, stating:
“They had said they were getting along great and I was all in support. For her to then turn around and say I’m of low caliber based solely on my physical attributes was really sh**ty. We’re all out here trying to do better. Don’t judge anyone.”
Cleo expressed her desire for privacy regarding her past relationships, acknowledging the potential complications brought about by her sister’s participation in the reality series.
Awhina’s Sister Shares More on Social Media
Post-broadcast, Cleo continued to voice her disappointment on social media, responding to an influx of inquiries regarding Carina’s comments. She remarked:
“So my inbox has been flooded from people wanting to know how I feel about the comment that was made by Carina.”
Reflecting on her initial impressions of Paul and Carina together, Cleo shared her positivity, saying:
“I was saying how beautiful she looked and how happy I am for them.”
Despite her revelations, Cleo clarified that she had maintained good relationships with Paul’s friends and had no animosity towards the couple. She denounced the unnecessary nature of Carina’s comment, underscoring the significance of self-improvement and the futility of judging others based on superficial traits.
Carina’s Concerns About the Partner Swap
Carina’s feelings about the show’s partner swap were also revealed during the episode. She expressed discomfort over Paul being partnered with Awhina, questioning:
“I don’t like that. No, I don’t want to do that. Why Awhina out of all the girls?”
Carina referenced the past relationship between Paul and Cleo, equating the partner swap to infidelity. While her apprehensions initially caused tension, she agreed to participate in the swap, ultimately shifting priorities as she settled with another contestant, Teejay Halkias.
Paul Voices His Concerns About Carina
In a significant conversation during the Honesty Letter task, Paul shared his misgivings about Carina’s comments, particularly those aimed at Cleo. He articulated his discomfort, stating:
“When I told Carina the reason why I knew you, she made a comment about Cleo that gave me the ick.”
Paul elaborated on how Carina’s remarks affected his perception of their relationship, commenting:
“I feel like she is a bit of a snob sometimes and can come across as very judgy, and I’ll be honest with you, this is giving me the ick.”
He expressed concern about the potential fallout of addressing these issues with Carina, fearing she might react defensively:
“Is she going to feel attacked, is she going to deflect or lose her s*** or start crying?”
Continued Drama in Married at First Sight Australia
The complex dynamics between the contestants of Married at First Sight Australia deepen with each episode, continuing to air on Channel Nine and 9Now.