For many Australian viewers, Married At First Sight season nine felt like the year of Domenica Calarco. The outspoken Italian-Australian makeup artist became one of the most talked-about stars in the show’s history after an explosive dinner-party clash, a glass-smashing moment that instantly went viral, and a controversial nude photo scandal involving her OnlyFans account.

What followed was a nationwide debate about shame, consent, online behaviour and the way reality TV shapes public perception. But the true story of Domenica Calarco didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling.

Since MAFS, she’s built a multi-layered career: returning to reality TV, expanding into podcasting, growing a huge online audience, and most recently, becoming a mother. She has discussed anxiety, online pile-ons, friendship breakdowns, and the emotional reality of living a life that millions dissect daily.

This blog explores every major chapter of Domenica Calarco’s journey — her Italian upbringing, early makeup career, her rise on MAFS, the infamous OnlyFans saga, the Sit With Us podcast, her time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, the breakdown of friendships, and her new role as a solo mum to daughter Dove.

Early Life of Domenica Calarco-Italian Roots & Creative Ambition

Born on 26 February 1993, Domenica Calarco grew up in New South Wales in a close-knit Italian-Australian family. She often describes herself as loud, passionate, expressive and deeply connected to her heritage. Her upbringing shaped the strong personality that later became her hallmark on reality television.

Before her TV fame, Domenica Calarco worked as a makeup artist. Channel Nine’s profile for her MAFS season introduced her as an “outgoing, feisty and passionate” 28-year-old with a love for beauty and strong opinions. Long before she was a household name, she appeared as a beauty expert on Studio 10, showcasing her interest in media and on-screen communication.

Her early adult life was not without hardship. She had previously been legally married — a four-year relationship that resulted in a marriage lasting only two months. The emotional fallout from that breakup left her struggling with feelings of failure and self-doubt, experiences she discussed openly on the show.

By the time she joined MAFS, she was looking for a partner who understood her fiery communication style, valued family and could match her emotionally charged personality.

Married At First Sight-How Domenica Calarco Became a Breakout Bride

When Married At First Sight Australia season nine premiered in 2022, Domenica Calarco quickly emerged as one of the show’s central figures. Paired with Jack Millar, she entered the experiment filled with hope, sarcasm, energy and vulnerability.

Throughout the season, producers highlighted her no-nonsense communication style. She swore freely, laughed loudly, confronted problems head-on and refused to tolerate behaviour she considered fake or manipulative. This rawness created some of the season’s most memorable scenes — both heartwarming and confrontational.

Domenica Calarco and Jack appeared to be one of the strongest couples. Their physical chemistry, banter and willingness to work through conflict made them early favourites among viewers. Every commitment ceremony saw them write “stay”, and their Final Vows painted them as a genuine success story.

But the hope didn’t last.

Domenica Calarco, Jack Millar & the Short-Lived MAFS Love Story

At the reunion episode, fans were shocked when Domenica Calarco and Jack arrived separately, confirming they were no longer together. Despite the promising narrative of their on-screen romance, real life presented challenges the structured MAFS environment protected them from.

Post-show interviews revealed that they struggled with mismatched schedules, clashing lifestyles and the overwhelming pressure that followed their sudden fame. Jack later publicly praised Dom, calling the experience with her “one of the most incredible adventures” of his life and crediting her with helping him through the experiment.

The pair eventually settled into a warm friendship, even as their romantic relationship quietly dissolved.

But by then, another storyline had already begun shaping Domenica Calarco’s long-term public identity.

The Glass-Smashing Dinner Party-Reality TV Icon or Red Flag?

One of the most infamous scenes in MAFS history came when Domenica Calarco smashed a wine glass on the table during a heated argument. Captured in slow motion and replayed countless times, the moment became the defining image of the season.

The clash between Dom and co-star Olivia Frazer marked a turning point in both the narrative and their relationship. Dom received a formal warning from producers, while Olivia claimed she felt frightened and considered involving police.

Despite the severity of the moment, many viewers viewed the scene differently: some saw a woman pushed to her limit, others saw an example of reality TV’s heightened, high-pressure environment.

Regardless of interpretation, the incident set the stage for the much bigger scandal that would follow.

The Nude Photo Scandal-OnlyFans, Consent & Image-Based Abuse

After the dinner-party clash, the season pivoted to a new storyline: Olivia Frazer obtained a nude image of Domenica Calarco from her old OnlyFans profile and shared it with other cast members without her permission.

The fallout was explosive.

It was revealed that Olivia had searched for Dom online, found an explicit image and distributed it among the cast. Critics labelled the act as a form of image-based abuse — not because the image was originally public, but because sharing it with the intent to shame or damage someone crosses ethical and legal boundaries.

Domenica Calarco filed a police report, and online petitions called for formal investigations. The situation triggered national conversations about:

• consent
• online privacy
• women’s bodies and shame
• the ethics of distributing sexual content
• Australia’s image-based abuse laws
  

Dom’s now-iconic line — “My body, my choice, b****” — became a rallying cry for women who felt judged for their sexuality.

The scandal cemented her position not only as a controversial figure but also as someone challenging outdated attitudes about women’s agency and autonomy.

Legal Fallout & Ongoing Debate

The photo leak didn’t disappear after the season ended. Domenica Calarco pursued the matter with police, framing the issue as one of dignity and consent rather than simply about the photo itself.

Legal experts used her case to highlight that image-based abuse doesn’t require a hacker or a private photo — even a publicly available image can be weaponised when shared maliciously.

Dom has since spoken openly about the emotional aftermath: anxiety, shame, rage, confusion and the surreal feeling of having her body treated like public property. On podcasts and Instagram, she described the painful experience of being the centre of a national pile-on.

The incident remains one of the most-discussed controversies in Australian reality TV.

Sit With Us-How Domenica Calarco Turned Drama Into a Podcast Brand

After MAFS, Domenica Calarco teamed up with co-star Ella Ding to launch Sit With Us, a podcast distributed by Acast. The show quickly became a hit, offering fans an unedited version of both women’s post-show lives.

For two years, the podcast tackled:

• dating and sex
• post-reality fame
• trolling
• healing
• behind-the-scenes production secrets
• friendships
• career struggles
  

The chemistry between Dom and Ella made the show a standout in the rapidly expanding influencer podcast world. For many fans, Sit With Us felt more heartfelt and relatable than their on-screen portrayals.

Dom used the podcast to challenge MAFS editing, reveal details about mental health, and deconstruct the pressures of influencer culture.

The End of Sit With Us & the Domenica–Ella Rift

In August 2024, the pair shocked fans by announcing the end of Sit With Us. Officially, it was described as a “mutual, bittersweet decision”. Unofficially, rumours pointed to tension, disagreements and the pressure of mixing friendship with business.

Some reports suggested creative disagreements, while others claimed emotional fallout and miscommunication. In late 2024, Domenica Calarco released a solo episode detailing her hurt, frustration and reflections on what went wrong.

Since then, Dom has continued building her solo brand with new content, separate collaborations and more personal storytelling — giving her greater control over her public voice.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! A New Test for Domenica Calarco

In 2023, Domenica Calarco joined I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia. Her time in the jungle offered a fresh portrayal of her personality — less conflict, more vulnerability, more humour, and genuine bonds.

She lasted 24 days and finished in sixth place.

The season featured:

• her clashes with Kerri-Anne Kennerley
• emotional discussions about anxiety
• moments of panic and vulnerability
• physical trials that pushed her limits
  

Unaired footage later showed her talking about panic attacks and social anxiety, revealing a softer, more layered side that contrasted with her fiery reputation.

The show helped broaden public understanding of who Domenica Calarco really is beyond the edited confines of MAFS.

Mental Health, Online Pile-Ons & the Cost of Fame

Since 2022, Domenica Calarco has spoken frequently about the toll of public attention. She has described how fame brought:

• anxiety
• fear of public places
• harassment
• obsessive commentary on her body
• trolling
• personal attacks
• intense pressure
• shame and panic
  

Her appearance on The Pile-On podcast in 2025 highlighted how overwhelming it was to watch social media tear her apart during the nude photo controversy.

Dom’s openness about panic, shame, therapy and rebuilding self-worth has made her a relatable figure for many women who feel scrutinised for their choices.

She often says that the mental health battle that came after MAFS was harder than anything during the show.

Relationships After MAFS-Who Has Domenica Calarco Dated?

After her break-up with Jack, Domenica Calarco eventually confirmed her relationship with Sydney skater Jarod Bogunovich. The pair first connected on Bumble in 2021, reconnected in 2024, and went public with their relationship shortly before breaking up again.

Their relationship was on-and-off, loving but turbulent, and often discussed by fans who followed Dom’s post-MAFS life closely.

Then came her biggest personal milestone.

“My Greatest Project Yet”-Pregnancy & Solo Motherhood

On 12 March 2025, Domenica Calarco announced she was pregnant. The emotional video she posted showed her stunned reaction to the positive test, early ultrasound images, and moments with family and friends.

In her caption, she wrote:

“Been a little MIA working on my greatest project yet… Baby due September 2025.”

The news spread rapidly across Australian and international media.

However, fans quickly noted that Jarod was noticeably absent. Dom later confirmed that they had split, though they planned to co-parent respectfully.

During her pregnancy, she revealed she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, describing exhaustion, palpitations, and the stress of managing a condition while in the public eye.

This chapter marked a shift in public perception: a more vulnerable, grounded and resilient version of Domenica Calarco.

Welcoming Baby Dove-A New Chapter Begins

In late August 2025, Domenica Calarco gave birth to her daughter, Dove. Photos of her leaving hospital — tired but glowing, with Jarod walking alongside them — spread quickly.

Coverage framed the birth as a full-circle moment: after years of controversy and heartbreak, Dom was stepping into motherhood with strength, clarity and humour.

She has already stated that she intends to protect Dove’s privacy while sharing certain milestones with her followers — a balance many influencer parents struggle with.

Influencer Life-How Domenica Calarco Uses Social Media Now

Today, Domenica Calarco maintains a large Instagram following, posting fashion, beauty, daily life, candid reflections, and sponsored content. Her online persona blends glamour with honesty — sharing everything from skincare routines to emotional breakdowns.

As she enters motherhood, she has spoken about learning new boundaries, choosing what to share, and prioritising her daughter’s wellbeing.

Her brand now includes:

• Instagram influencing
• podcast appearances
• mental health discussions
• commentary on reality TV
• brand advertising
• beauty and lifestyle partnerships
  

She regularly participates in conversations about the ethics of reality TV editing, consent, duty of care and the challenges influencers face in Australia’s media landscape.

Why Domenica Calarco Still Matters in Australia’s Reality TV Conversation

Several reasons explain why Domenica Calarco remains one of Australia’s most recognisable reality personalities:

• 1. She represents the blurred line between hero, villain and real human.
  Reality TV editing often shapes extreme characters. Dom’s story shows how complex people can be behind the scenes.
• 2. She became a case study in image-based abuse.
  Her OnlyFans photo leak reframed discussions about consent, shame and online behaviour.
• 3. She speaks openly about mental health.
  Her honesty about panic attacks, anxiety and online abuse sets her apart from many former reality stars.
• 4. She has reshaped her life post-reality TV.
  From makeup artist to podcaster to mum, her personal growth resonates with Australian audiences.
• 5. She challenges sexist narratives.
  Dom refuses to apologise for being outspoken, sexual, emotional or imperfect.
• 6. She has become part of the influencer landscape.
  With a strong digital presence, she remains relevant in conversations about social media culture.

Final Thoughts

The story of Domenica Calarco is far from over. From her days as a Sydney makeup artist to her breakout MAFS season, from the OnlyFans scandal to friendship breakdowns, from the jungle to motherhood — her journey reflects the messy, complicated world of modern fame.

She has survived public pile-ons, rebuilt her confidence, reshaped her career and welcomed a daughter into the world. Through every chapter, she has remained unapologetically herself: loud, emotional, funny, honest and determined.

For now, she is rewriting her own narrative — not as the glass-smashing bride or the woman at the centre of a national scandal, but as a mother, creator and voice in Australia’s evolving media landscape.

FOR MORE RELATED ARTICLES VISIT US AT AUSTRALIANMAGAZINE.COM.AU