Are 'MAFS' grooms paid actors? Shady job profiles spark speculation

'MAFS' Season 18 features paid contestants
PUBLISHED OCT 8, 2024
Ikechi Ojore, David and Juan Franco stars in 'MAFS' Season 18 (@lifetime)
Ikechi Ojore, David and Juan Franco stars in 'MAFS' Season 18 (@lifetime)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: 'Married At First Sight' Season 18 is yet to premiere and its cast members' professional backgrounds have already sparked controversy. The Lifetime show stars, Juan Franco, Ikechi Ojore, and David are models and are speculated to be recruited by the Lifetime show. Juan has notably appeared on a series of local channels to promote his jacket. Meanwhile, Ikechi has appeared on the Houston version of the Lifetime show and moved to Chicago just in time when the latest installment started filming sparking do

'MAFS' alums have previously revealed that producers often recruit brides and grooms from dating apps who seek genuine connections and are eager to settle down. However, bringing in aspiring actors or models can disrupt the essence of the social experiment, as they often come for fame rather than true love.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Married At First Sight (@mafslifetime)


 

How to get cast on 'Married at First Sight'?

'Married at First Sight' hopeful stars must navigate a thorough casting process to land a spot on the dating show. First, they need to complete an application on Lifetime's official website, providing their basic information. Contestants are also expected to delve into their past relationships and dating histories.

Additionally, they must articulate their motivations for joining this social experiment and share their aspirations for a future partner, painting a vivid picture of what they seek in love. Despite the rigorous selection process that includes interviews, personality tests, and compatibility assessments, the panel of experts has been failing to match the perfect couple making the show worse.

(@lifetime)
Lifetime announces a casting call for brides and grooms (@lifetime)

Do 'Married at First Sight' stars get paid?

'Married at First Sight' stars do receive compensation for their appearances on the Lifetime series. They earn a modest monthly salary based on their filming duration, which pales in comparison to what contestants on other dating shows make. Additionally, they are provided with a daily stipend to help cover living expenses while the cameras are rolling.

MAFS is a unique social experiment where singles embark on a journey to find their soulmates, forming deep connections in the process. However, introducing financial compensation for participation could jeopardize the authenticity of the experience. Maintaining a genuine atmosphere is crucial for fostering real connections and ensuring the success of the couples involved.

'MAFS' Season 17 couples explore their marriages (@lifetime)
'MAFS' stars notably get paid for their appearance (@lifetime)

Paying the cast could jeopardize providing the unfiltered point of view MAFS is known for.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s shocking announcement leads to backlash and fractured friendships
22 minutes ago
Batula and Wilson's announcement has divided the cast of 'Summer House' ahead of the upcoming reunion
1 hour ago
A shocking romance shakes ‘Summer House,’ sparking backlash and uncertainty about the show’s future
1 hour ago
CeeLo Green returns to 'The Voice' as the show introduces an all-new competition within Season 29
16 hours ago
The upcoming four-part series is filmed in Park City, Utah, and will premiere on April 6
18 hours ago
‘American Idol’ Season 24 frontrunner Hannah Harper stood out the moment she stepped onto the stage for her audition, where she sang 'String Cheese'
21 hours ago
The Knockouts officially kicked off on March 30, trimming the field once again as artists performed solo
22 hours ago
‘The Voice’ raises the stakes in the Knockouts as artists perform solo and coaches send contestants home with no Steals or Saves available
23 hours ago
A live twist shakes ‘American Idol’ as results are suddenly scrapped, leaving 14 contestants in limbo after voting chaos.
1 day ago
The Fox singing competition series will see Cat Witch, Galaxy Girl, Crane, and Pugcasso compete for the ultimate prize
1 day ago