FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 April 2025
MAFS stars social media feud turns legal:
The courtroom risks of posting about your ex
Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Family Law Associate, Breanna Farrell examines the feud between Jacqui Burfoot and Ryan Donnelly.
As we approach the last days of the latest season of MAFS this weekend, one breakup has crossed the reality TV world and landed in the courts. Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Family Law Associate, Breanna Farrell breaks down how social media posts can be considered harassment and proof for applying for a DVO or an AVO.
Of the multitude headlines that stem from the drama and chaos of reality TV show Married at First Sight (MAFS), the latest controversy has moved from social media spats to legal action.
Jacqui Burfoot was recently granted an interim restraining order against her on-screen husband Ryan Donnelly, stopping him from making comments about her on social media and online. Now, Ryan has applied for an AVO of his own.
Though the public feud stems from the chaos and controversy that Australians have come to expect from a top-viewing reality TV show like MAFs, it highlights a serious legal issue: your social media activity can lead to a Domestic Violence Order. Just one online rant, a heated message or tell-all post, even when done on a private account, can be used against you as evidence of alleged harassment.
Our family law team has seen first-hand, time and time again, how social media accounts can be mined and become battlegrounds in legal disputes. Whether online or offline, what you say about your relationship can have serious consequences.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Family Law Associate, Breanna Farrell has written blog on the growing link between social media and DVOs, and delves into the different processes across states for applying for such orders. Read Breanna’s blog here.
-ENDS-
Note to editors
Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Family Law Associate, Breanna Farrell is available for interview. Please contact Shan Harvey, Media Specialist on 0415 417 622 or [email protected]
Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ have an extensive library of articles on diverse areas of law, sharing our expertise and unique insights for the public to be aware of their rights. Please visit our blog archive here.
Established in 1946, Attwood Marshall Lawyers is a leading law firm providing expert legal services in all areas of law including wills and estates, aged care, estate litigation, family law, compensation law, commercial litigation, property and commercial law, and equine breeding and racing law.
Our firm is a passionate advocate for social justice and change. Our intent is to help people and change their lives for the better. Integrity, understanding, and responsibility are Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ core values.
Find out more about Attwood Marshall Lawyers at https://attwoodmarshall.com.au
About us:
Established in 1946, Attwood Marshall Lawyers is a leading law firm providing expert legal services in all areas of law including wills and estates, aged care, estate litigation, family law, compensation law, commercial litigation, property and commercial law, and equine breeding and racing law.
Our firm is a passionate advocate for social justice and change. Our intent is to help people and change their lives for the better. Integrity, understanding, and responsibility are Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ core values.
Find out more about Attwood Marshall Lawyers at https://attwoodmarshall.com.au
Contact details:
Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Family Law Associate, Breanna Farrell is available for interview. Please contact Shan Harvey, Media Specialist on 0415 417 622 or [email protected]
