Ryan MAFS Story: What Happened To Ryan Oubre And Ryan Donnelly After The Show

Two different versions of Married At First Sight introduced viewers to two very different men who share the same name: Ryan Oubre from the U.S. Season 12 and Ryan Donnelly from Australia’s 2025 season. Although they appeared in separate franchises, both Ryans became major talking points because of how intense, emotional, and complicated their journeys were. Viewers continue to search for updates on them because their stories did not end with the show. Instead, their marriages, public statements, personal struggles, and post-MAFS lives created lasting curiosity. Ryan Oubre drew attention for his thoughtful, disciplined personality and for addressing cultural issues openly—especially regarding interracial marriage. His divorce from Clara sparked deeper conversations around communication, identity, and emotional boundaries. Meanwhile, Ryan Donnelly became one of the most controversial reality stars in recent Australian TV history. His fiery personality, confrontations with Jacqui Burfoot, and ongoing legal drama kept him in headlines long after the season ended.

Together, both Ryans represent two very different realities of modern relationships: one centered on emotional maturity and cultural understanding, and the other centered on conflict, misunderstanding, and the high cost of reality-TV fame. Their journeys still matter because they reflect identity, healing, conflict resolution, and the struggle to rebuild personal lives in the public eye.

Profile Bio: Ryan Donnelly

Ryan Oubre: Early Life, Career Background & Personal Values

Ryan Oubre grew up in a structured, supportive environment that shaped his disciplined and thoughtful personality. He has always been goal-oriented, analytical, and grounded, valuing routine and self-improvement. Before joining MAFS, Ryan excelled professionally in payroll services and climbed the ladder through years of hard work. He earned Lean Sigma green and white belt certifications and built a reputation as a dependable, detail-focused employee.

His income before the show was impressive, estimated to be over $500,000 yearly, reflecting how committed he was to building a stable future. Ryan entered Married At First Sight with a clear vision: he wanted a meaningful partnership, emotional growth, and eventually a family. His upbringing also made him deeply connected to his cultural identity as a Black man in America, and he expected any partner to respect, understand, and embrace that part of his life. His personal values—discipline, culture, emotional responsibility, and long-term thinking—shaped everything he did on the show and after it.

Ryan Oubre on Married At First Sight Season 12 

When experts matched Ryan with Clara Berghaus, they believed the pair would complement one another. Ryan brought structure, maturity, and emotional steadiness; Clara brought energy, spontaneity, and enthusiasm. Their wedding reflected early chemistry, with both expressing hope and excitement. But as the weeks progressed, differences between them became more visible. Communication became their biggest struggle. Ryan was cautious and emotionally private, while Clara preferred expressive and direct conversation. Ryan also did not rush intimacy, believing emotional trust should guide physical closeness. Clara, however, felt rejected and confused by the lack of intimacy and sought reassurance that never came.

Group discussions exposed their mismatched expectations. Experts repeatedly encouraged Ryan to open up emotionally, while Clara was advised to be patient. Despite these challenges, they stayed committed through the experiment and said “yes” on Decision Day. But beneath the surface, unresolved issues were already creating distance between them.

Why Ryan Oubre and Clara Berghaus Divorced 

Although many viewers believed intimacy issues caused their breakup, Ryan later clarified that the true reason was deeper. He posted a long message explaining that interracial marriage requires genuine understanding, learning, and respect for cultural identity. He wrote that the Black experience is not “one size fits all” and that a partner must actively want to marry the culture, not just the person. According to Ryan, Clara did not attempt to fully understand or engage with his cultural identity, which created emotional disconnection and frustration.

Another major difference was religion. Ryan did not want future children raised in a religious environment, while Clara believed in giving children the freedom to explore different faiths. Even their conversations about parenting revealed how differently they viewed family life. Communication barriers also contributed significantly. Clara wanted verbal affection and emotional warmth, while Ryan expressed love through responsibility and quiet consistency. Their emotional rhythms did not match, and misunderstandings built up. Although they made it past Decision Day, the foundation of their marriage was too fragile, and they announced their divorce shortly before the reunion aired.

Ryan Oubre’s Life After MAFS — Career Growth, Fitness Lifestyle, Personal Healing & Current Priorities

After the show, Ryan stayed away from drama and focused on rebuilding his life privately. Professionally, he transitioned into a new role as a Senior Consultant at Workday in July 2023. His certifications and management experience supported his growth into a respected consultant, and he continues to excel in his field with a strong reputation for discipline and leadership.

Ryan’s fitness journey became a major part of his identity after MAFS. He regularly shares workout routines, CrossFit progress, and wellness reflections on Instagram. His posts are not just about exercise—they discuss mental health, discipline, and the challenges of being a Black man in America. After the death of Ahmaud Arbery, Ryan wrote an emotional message about safety, racism, and the fear many Black men feel when simply going for a run. Personally, Ryan now chooses a quiet life centered on family and self-improvement. He spends time with his dog, stays close to his nephew, and avoids public relationship discussions. As of now, he has not confirmed any new romantic partner. His post-MAFS journey is defined by growth, peace, and privacy.

Ryan Donnelly: Introduction to the MAFS Australia Groom

Ryan Donnelly entered Married At First Sight Australia 2025 as one of the most outspoken, bold, and dramatic grooms the series had seen. Confident to the point of intimidation, he quickly became a central figure in the season’s storyline. His humor, sharp comments, and fiery communication style made him memorable, but also highly divisive among viewers.

Producers matched Ryan with Jacqui Burfoot, believing their strong personalities might create balance. Instead, they created chaos. From the start, Ryan clashed with Jacqui on values, boundaries, and communication. Viewers either found him entertaining or unbearable, but no one ignored him. His larger-than-life TV persona made him one of the most talked-about participants of the season.

Ryan Donnelly & Jacqui Burfoot’s Marriage and Breakup 

Ryan and Jacqui’s marriage was unstable from the beginning. Their arguments grew intense quickly, and even small disagreements turned into explosive confrontations. One of the most memorable incidents involved Jacqui recording Ryan while he repeatedly placed shoes on the bed, which led to a major fight and left Jacqui feeling scared. Their emotional tension increased throughout the experiment. Both accused the other of criticism, disrespect, and manipulation. By the time they reached Final Vows, their relationship had collapsed entirely. Jacqui delivered her famous line, “In a world of red flags, you are the red carpet,” while Ryan told her, “Be gone with you, you horrible woman.” Their breakup was immediate and final. Fans considered their marriage one of the most toxic in MAFS history, with emotional intensity that extended long after filming ended.

The Legal Battle — Restraining Orders, Accusations, Police Reports, Court Hearings & Social Media War

Following their breakup, Jacqui made several serious allegations against Ryan. She claimed he was physically intimidating, emotionally harmful, and at times frightening. She also accused him of revenge-porn behavior and filed a police report. Her social media presence amplified these claims and attracted large public attention. A Tasmanian court granted Jacqui an interim restraining order, preventing Ryan from speaking negatively about her online. Ryan responded by applying for an ADVO against Jacqui, stating that her accusations caused him severe distress, led to thousands of hateful messages, and threatened his career. Court documents revealed his fear of false allegations damaging his future. The legal proceedings included multiple hearings, lawyers on both sides, and ongoing public commentary from Jacqui through TikTok. Social media turned their private conflict into a public war. As of mid-2025, the matter continues in court, with both sides maintaining very different versions of events.

Ryan Donnelly’s Dating Rumors & Current Life 

Outside of court drama, Ryan also faced public curiosity about his dating life. A photo of him looking close with MAFS co-star Carina Mirabile went viral, prompting dating speculation. Ryan quickly clarified that they are only friends and that he cares about her deeply as a person. Earlier, he was rumored to be dating DJ Jennie, after multiple photos appeared online. Although they never confirmed a relationship, fans believed they had chemistry.

Today, Ryan presents himself with humor and confidence online, but his interviews reveal emotional exhaustion from the accusations and public scrutiny. He often speaks about mental health, explaining how the backlash affected him. As of now, he appears to be single and focused on repairing his public image and navigating ongoing legal matters.

Conclusion

Ryan Oubre and Ryan Donnelly left a permanent mark on the Married At First Sight universe, but for entirely different reasons. Ryan Oubre’s storyline sparked conversations about cultural respect, interracial marriage, emotional maturity, and the need for alignment in values. His quiet life after the show reflects his desire for peace, growth, and stability. Ryan Donnelly’s journey, on the other hand, represents the darker side of reality TV fame—conflict, public accusations, legal battles, and emotional strain. His season became a study in trauma, communication failures, and the cost of unresolved conflict in a televised marriage.

Despite their contrasting paths, both men continue to attract public interest because their stories go beyond entertainment. They highlight the complexities of relationships, the impact of personal history, the role of culture and identity, and the challenge of rebuilding life under public scrutiny. Their journeys show that healing, accountability, and reinvention are ongoing processes—and audiences remain invested in what happens next.

FAQs About Ryan MAFS 

1. What happened to Ryan Oubre after Married At First Sight Season 12?

After MAFS, Ryan Oubre focused on his career and fitness lifestyle. He became a Senior Consultant at Workday, continued sharing his CrossFit journey, and chose a private personal life. He has not publicly confirmed any new relationship.

2. Why did Ryan Oubre and Clara Berghaus divorce?

Ryan and Clara divorced due to cultural differences, communication issues, and conflicting views on intimacy and raising children. Ryan later explained that Clara did not fully engage with his cultural identity, which became a major factor in their separation.

3. What is Ryan Oubre doing now?

Ryan Oubre works as a Senior Consultant at Workday, holds multiple Lean Sigma certifications, and stays active in the fitness community. He maintains a low profile and focuses on family and personal growth.

4. What happened between Ryan Donnelly and Jacqui Burfoot on MAFS Australia?

Ryan Donnelly and Jacqui Burfoot had a highly volatile relationship that ended at Final Vows. After the show, both filed legal actions against each other, including restraining orders, police reports, and ADVO applications, leading to an ongoing court dispute.

5. Are Ryan Donnelly and Carina Mirabile dating?

No. Although a photo of them together sparked romance rumors, Ryan Donnelly confirmed they are only friends. He defended Carina publicly but denied any romantic involvement.

Read More: Bernie Bourke: Everything About Jo Brand’s Husband & His Private Life