Married At First Sight groom Jack Dunkley admitted on Tuesday morning that he actually told his ex-girlfriend that he was “going abroad” ahead of his appearance on the show.
The 34-year-old personal trainer, who is currently working with his TV bride Tori Adams, was recently accused of dumping his ex Courtney Jade to take part in the series.
While he said that wasn't the reason for the split, Jack admitted to Today Extra that he lied to Courtney about where he was going after their split.
“When I originally broke up, I kind of softened the blow,” he said, adding that he didn't feel right just telling Courtney that he wanted to go on MAFS to get married.
“I said I had business in Sydney. [Courtney] turned around and said, “I’m moving to Sydney. What is your boss's number? I’ll call him and tell him I’m coming.”
Married At First Sight groom Jack Dunkley, 34, (left), admitted on Tuesday morning that he actually told his ex-girlfriend that he was “going abroad” ahead of his appearance on the show
Jack added: “It was a mild blow, but my hands were tied a bit.” So, unfortunately, I said I was actually going abroad for a few months. So the door is closed.'
The reality TV star broke his silence on claims he had split from his ex-girlfriend last Thursday to appear on the Channel Nine dating series.
Jack told Chron Australia that he didn't end his relationship in search of reality TV fame, but was genuinely committed to taking part in the experiment to find eternal love.
He came under fire last week when his former partner Courtney accused him of breaking up with her under the guise of a “work opportunity in America”, after which she found out he was starring on MAFS.
He said he wasn't surprised that Courtney spoke out and that he was completely transparent about his ex with his TV bride Tori very early in the experiment.
The 34-year-old personal trainer, who is currently working with his TV bride Tori Adams (right), was recently accused of dumping his ex Courtney Jade to take part in the series
“It wasn't a surprise. “I felt like my ex was going to go rogue at some point and probably sell something to the media,” Jack told Chron Australia.
“Tori was totally into it.
“I think I discussed it with her on the second or third day of our meeting and updated her on my last relationship, where she was and how I couldn't escape communication even though I didn't respond.”
Jack also addressed claims that he was just a “damn boy,” a term he said has followed his journey in finding love.
He said his portrayal of a man looking for lasting love on the show was accurate and that he wanted to distance himself from the frivolities of his early 20s.
While he said that wasn't the reason for the split, Jack admitted on Today Extra that he lied to Courtney about where he was going after their split
“I’m not an F-boy,” he declared vehemently.
“I told the cameras that this wasn’t me and that was my story. My real story is actually the fact that I'm misunderstood and that's why I thought I was having trouble finding love because everyone looks at me and thinks I'm not ready to settle.” I'm dejected because of that look on my face and the way I behave.'
Chron Australia understands Jack has since reached out to Courtney to apologize for the lack of transparency and bring clarity to the split.
He wishes her only the best for her future.
Courtney admitted last week that she was distraught when she saw Jack's “wedding” on TV.
The reality TV star broke his silence on claims he had split from his ex-girlfriend last Thursday to appear on the Channel Nine dating series
He said he wasn't surprised that Courtney spoke out and that he was completely transparent about his ex with his TV bride Tori early on in the experiment
“It was a very difficult time in my life. One I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” she told Chron Australia on Wednesday.
“I hope this doesn't continue to happen to other people.” “It was a terrible experience and not something I want to talk about.”
Courtney then posted an emotionally charged statement on her Instagram Stories.
She said she was heartbroken. Jack will spill dirty laundry about their breakup on the popular TV show.
“I hope my terrible break-up on Channel Nine brings with it some vile entertainment for everyone,” she said.
“I have no comment on MAFS and would therefore be grateful if the media and all forms of communication would leave me alone.”
Jack also addressed claims that he was just a “damn boy,” a term he said has followed his journey in finding love
“I've struggled to find love because everyone looks at me and thinks I'm not ready to settle down because of that look at me and the way I act,” he said
She also revealed her ongoing personal issues following her breakup, revealing that she was forced to take medication and see a psychologist regularly.
“I have been seeing a therapist and been on medication for the disgusting trauma I have experienced and would like to be left alone to heal,” she said.
Courtney explained that the fact that their breakup would be so public made things much more difficult to process.
“It's one thing to go through a breakup, but it's another to have to relive it and talk about it on national television,” she added.
“Enjoy watching the fame-hungry people ruin lives and causing nothing but pain.” “I am embarrassed by the world we live in and am absolutely ashamed of my experience.”
She questioned the show's premise, asking: “Create love or create monsters?” before asking that her privacy be respected.
Married At First Sight continues on Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.