Married At First Sight’s John Aiken was allegedly investigated by the Psychology Council of New South Wales after a complaint was made by a former participant.
According to documents obtained by Daily Mail, the relationship expert is to be “counselled” about the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct after concerns were raised by season 11 groom Ben Walters in April 2025.
Walters has been vocal regarding his criticism of the show and its lead expert since appearing on the program in 2024.
The 41-year-old was paired with on-screen bride Ellie Dix. However, their turbulent relationship saw the couple leave in week six.
Now, in a complaint filed to the Psychology Council of New South Wales last year, he has allegedly said Aiken’s “on-screen behaviour and commentary” towards the show’s stars doesn’t sit right with him.
“I am troubled by aspects of his on-screen behaviour and commentary, which I believe may constitute a breach of his ethical obligations as a registered psychologist during my experience with him in 2023 after four sessions with the man,” Walters wrote in the complaint, according to the publication.
In 2017, a separate investigation by the Council led to Aiken being barred from referring to himself as a psychologist or undertaking psychological practice on the series.
However, according to Walters’ complaint, the 55-year-old “continues to provide commentary and advice in a manner that draws upon his professional background and expertise”.
He further claims that Aiken “significantly” influences public views by demonstrating his psychological knowledge, and that his involvement in a show that “appears to prioritise drama and conflict” may be at odds with ethical procedures set by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
The complaint has been closed, which – according to Daily Mail – suggests it was not successful. The council did, however, confirm they had discussed it at the end of last year.
In response to Walters’ complaint, a statement released by the Council said: “At its meeting on 9 December 2025, the Council agreed that Mr Aiken be counselled about the Code of Conduct published by the Psychology Board of Australia. Subject to counselling, the Council agreed to close the complaint.
“However, the Council will keep a record of your complaint on file, and will consider it if it receives further complaints about the health, conduct or performance of Mr Aiken.”
Walters isn’t the first MAFS participant to raise concerns about the longtime relationship expert’s behaviour on the show.
In 2017, TV groom Andrew ‘Jonesy’ Jones accused Aiken of stirring the pot on Instagram.
Ahead of the finale, Aiken posted a photo of Jones alongside his wife on the show, Cheryl Maitland, with the caption: “Are things going to get a little ugly between Jonesy and Cheryl tonight? Perhaps a little payback?”
Jones criticised the relationship expert’s post, writing on Instagram: “Does your psychologist froth on things getting ugly? Is he/she into revenge and payback?”
Skynews.com.au does not imply that Walters and/or Jones’ claims are valid.
Skynews.com.au has reached out to MAFS producers for comment.