Mecca From ‘Married at First Sight’ Sparks Backlash After Admitting He Wasn’t Necessarily Ready for Marriage
People sign up for Married at First Sight hoping to meet their partner in life – at least, that’s the idea. The Peacock reality show involves a group of experts matching couples, who then say “I do” moments after meeting at the altar.
If things go well, the newlyweds stay together for the long haul (several couples have gone on to have children together). If things go south, the pair splits during the show’s famous Decision Day (or sometimes before).
The seriousness of the show’s experiment is part of its appeal. The marriages on the show are legally binding, and couples are encouraged to treat their new relationships as if they were as real as a traditional marriage. But what if one person doesn’t approach the MAFS experience with the right mindset? Mecca from Married at First Sight Season 20 recently riled up many of the show’s fans when he admitted that he didn’t go into his marriage with fellow cast members BelleJolie thinking it would be forever.
Mecca from ‘Married at First Sight’ says purpose of show is to work through ‘emotions’ and ‘traumas’
Mecca and BelleJolie’s marriage so far has been rocky, and he’s confessed to not finding his wife attractive. He’s also opened up about his childhood trauma and complex relationship with his parents, which have led him to put up some big emotional walls. Mecca’s candor and honestly has been welcomed by some of the show’s fan, who appreciate his willingness to broach difficult topics. But others have wondered if he should have taken more time to work on his issues before jumping into marriage with a stranger.
“Why go on a show to get married when you’re not ready or emotionally mature enough for marriage?” one person asked Mecca on Threads.
“After all it is an experiment,” the model/sanitation worker replied.
“The point of the show is not to come into it necessarily ‘ready’ to be married or even emotionally mature enough for marriage, but rather to work through your emotions, traumas, doubts, and fears to reach a conclusion of readiness on decision day,” he continued.
‘MAFS’ fans call out Mecca for not taking the experiment seriously
That comment disappointed some MAFS fans.
“No, that’s not true. The experiment is to connect 2 adults that are looking for a forever spouse,” one person replied. “You are matched with a person and it’s up to you two to figure out if you’re compatible and to make it work, finding love. If this wasn’t your intention you took this chance away from someone looking for love. I was really rooting for you.”
“The show is literally called Married at First Sight and the whole time you’re on the show the experts are helping you navigate your marriage,” another person commented. “The match makers literally find you someone who you would be compatible with for life but the show isn’t about being ready to be married????!”
Will Mecca and BelleJolie stay together on Decision Day? Or will he walk away, having gotten what he wanted out of the experience? Find out when the Married at First Sight Season 20 finale and reunion drop August 27 on Peacock.
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