The Show Tore My Family Apart!

Melinda reveals how she was betrayed by her daughter Jessika

Resilient is the only word you could use to describe Melinda Mackenzie. The mother-of-five escaped years of domestic violence, overcame a drug and alcohol addiction and has raised five children. But nothing could have prepared Melinda for the hardship that would come at the hands of hit reality TV show Married At First Sight.

Melinda’s daughter is Jessika Power, 27 – this past season’s most controversial bride. The unapologetic husband stealer drew attention over her promiscuous personality – a far cry from the Jess that Melinda insists she raised.

In an emotional interview, Melinda, 48, tells Woman’s Day how the show has ruined her relationship with her daughter.

How did Jess tell you she was going on MAFS?

She didn’t, [the whole family] tried to keep it a secret from me! Jess even got my own mother to hide it from me. That’s when I started having suicidal thoughts. I’ll never forgive Jess for that. It was a betrayal.

How did you cope?

I reached out to John Aitken [MAFS relationship expert] and told him I had two failed suicide attempts over Christmas last year. He emailed saying, “Sorry to hear that is happening to you – here’s Lifeline’s number!” Thankfully now I’m in such a good place. My two boys, Ethan, 15, and Hikurangi, eight, are my strength.