A couple from the upcoming season of Married At First Sight has spoken out after being removed from the show due to a major behind-the-scenes controversy.
Micah Lomu and Ankita Karungalekar were unexpectedly asked to leave the show after claims about Micah started spreading on TikTok, leaving them feeling shocked and unprepared, according to the pair who won’t be seen on screen.
Micah, 28, shared with Daily Mail in an exclusive interview that producers asked him to leave the show, explaining it was for the sake of his well-being.
By reacting that way, they essentially admitted I’d been unfairly accused. There wasn’t any evidence – no pictures, no past issues, nothing to support the claim. It made me seem like a threat, even though I hadn’t done anything wrong.
‘It felt sort of like a bit of a scapegoat, to be honest.’
Ankita, 29, added: ‘We were shocked when Channel Nine said we couldn’t handle the backlash.
They don’t have the authority to decide that. We’ve already completed all the required psychological evaluations, filled out extensive paperwork, and passed thorough background checks.
‘Suddenly, they decided we weren’t strong enough.’
The couple described their wedding as one of the most lively of the season, with guests enthusiastically celebrating their instant connection.
Ankita said she was glad she was paired with him because they connected so well.
Pictures published by the Daily Mail reveal a vibrant and diverse wedding ceremony held at the historic Lindesay House in Darling Point, Sydney.
Ankita looked stunning in a sage green and gold lehenga, beautifully embroidered with delicate designs. She completed her look with a vibrant bouquet of yellow and peach flowers.
Micah looked striking in a perfectly fitted black suit, completed with a matching flower in his lapel.
Following the wedding, they enjoyed a three-day honeymoon in Cairns, getting to know each other better before unexpected difficulties arose.
‘We were told not to have any contact,’ Ankita recalled.
‘We were not allowed to talk to each other at all, no contact, no meeting,’ she added.
‘Something’s wrong, like something’s wrong, you know?’
I assumed being kept apart was temporary, but even when a dinner party rolled around, we still weren’t allowed to meet. I spent the whole day worrying, and no one would explain why.
Micah explained that producers contacted him regarding a claim made on TikTok, and immediately distanced him from the situation afterward.
‘I was shook. I cried for hours,’ he admitted.
It was incredibly painful to be portrayed in that way. It felt like a complete betrayal of who I am and my cultural values. I grew up in a strong Polynesian family where women are central, so the accusation was deeply hurtful and disrespectful.
Ankita stated she only received one direct message from an anonymous account, which warned her to ‘Run for your life. This man is manipulative.’
She explained they had no evidence – no screenshots, texts, or anything of the sort. They were shocked that Channel Nine made such a significant decision based solely on TikTok videos without any proof.
Micah says he begged producers to refer the allegation to police so he could clear his name.
He explained that he asked them to involve the police so he could challenge the accusations. He felt that being dismissed implied he was guilty, but he maintained his innocence, stating, ‘They never proved anything. There was no wrongdoing.’
I want them to report this to the police so we can address it properly. It’s important that no one feels they have to hide what’s happening.
‘You can’t Google my name without saying scandal, allegations, stuff like this.’
‘I’ve never done anything other than a parking ticket.’
Ankita explained that after speaking with Channel Nine, they confirmed there was no evidence – like police reports or documentation – of sexual assault or domestic violence, despite claims circulating online. However, Channel Nine still refused to let them proceed, saying they were concerned about a potential negative reaction, which Ankita believes wasn’t their decision to make.
From what I understand, this couple feels they were unfairly blamed – made to take the fall, really – so the network could appear strong and decisive after some previous issues. It’s a classic case of throwing someone under the bus to protect a reputation, and it’s incredibly unfair to those involved.
‘They’ve kept people on in previous seasons who had actual proof against them,’ Ankita said.
‘Why us, when other cast with actual proof against them were kept on the show?’
Other couples got another opportunity, and some even found new partners. Why didn’t we get the same? Was it because we were the youngest pair, or maybe because we came from different cultural backgrounds?
Micah felt the show’s producers didn’t want to risk having them featured, believing the accusations against them would steal the spotlight from the season. Micah believes the best course of action would have been to allow them to remain on the show and address the allegations directly.
‘Even if I can’t get in, at least give Ankita the chance – don’t take her down with me.’
Micah said the ordeal took a toll on his loved ones.
He recalled walking in on his mother one day as she read through the comments. She seemed really upset. He explained that, as a mother, she naturally wanted to shield him from negativity, but it was clearly bothering her a lot.
Even Ankita said she was heartbroken watching the toll it took on Micah’s family.
‘Seeing his mum shake while begging producers to give us a chance was horrible,’ she said. ‘She couldn’t understand why we were being removed when we were genuinely happy together.’
Ankita admitted she still feels like she ‘failed’ her community.
She explained that she feels uneasy being around others because she doesn’t know how to explain what happened in her life. She described a sudden and confusing shift – going from making lifelong commitments to being forbidden from even talking to her husband. She feels she’s lost both a chance at something and her marriage as a result.
It’s like I’m still in the marriage, so being told to leave and pack my things really stung. It really hurts, man.
The couple also accused producers of treating them unequally behind the scenes.
Ankita explained that while others spoke to Micah with kindness, she felt she was treated harshly. Despite being polite and respectful, she was dismissed and found the experience deeply upsetting.
‘The way they treated me like s**t… I’ve never been treated like that.’
She explained that while they were eager to hire her and friendly initially, the producers completely disappeared once they decided to let her go. They stopped responding to her messages, even after she expressed gratitude for their earlier support.
Micah shared her disappointment, explaining, ‘I specifically asked them not to involve her in my situation, to let her keep going. But they didn’t listen, and she ended up suffering the consequences.’
Ankita said: ‘It felt like we were collateral damage – easy to drop, easy to silence.’
Ankita also revealed she was misled for weeks with the false promise of a rematch.
She explained that while producers led her to believe she might be reunited with her partner, they actually knew she wouldn’t be returning to the show. For two weeks, she was kept waiting and told to be patient, even though the rest of the cast already knew who the new contestants were.
They led me on about potentially getting back together with someone, put me up in a hotel for two weeks, and then unexpectedly removed me from the show.
The pair also revealed the hidden financial burden of being axed.
‘We quit our jobs, we invested in outfits, in everything,’ Ankita said.
Many people are unaware that producers also choose what we wear. On top of dealing with mental and financial pressures, we’re often just dismissed and sent away.
As a lifestyle expert, I often see people underestimate the real-world impact of big life changes. It’s easy to talk about emotional wellbeing, but let’s be honest – when you’re advised to step away from something, there are genuine financial repercussions you have to deal with. It’s not just about ‘feeling good’; it’s about practical consequences too.
Despite everything, Micah and Ankita remain close.
‘There’s no label on it, but we’ll always be in each other’s lives,’ Micah said.
‘If marriage felt like this, I’d get married every day.’
‘I’m always gonna back her with whatever she does and I’m always gonna stand by her.’
The matchmakers did a great job pairing us up. I told her that even if we were to be rematched with someone else, I’d be there for her no matter what.
Ankita explained that even though the relationship was just for a television show, she still felt like a married woman. She believes that despite its brief duration, the experience felt genuine.
Even though it was just for a TV show, I’m still sad about my character’s marriage ending. I really hoped it could have worked out in the story.
Both now say they want viewers to understand the human toll of cancel culture.
‘It’s easier to make a TikTok than to go to police,’ Micah said.
However, this had a real impact on people I care about. My family – including my mother and grandmother – all felt the effects of what happened.
The pair have one blunt message for anyone considering applying for MAFS.
‘If you’re sensitive or naïve, don’t do it,’ Ankita warned.
‘This process will break you. I’m a strong woman, and it nearly ruined my mental health.’
Micah warned that anyone with secrets to hide shouldn’t apply to the show. However, he assured those who were being honest that while the show strives to be fair, it won’t always shield them from difficulties.
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2025-09-17 03:54