Domenica Calarco, a standout participant from Married at First Sight Australia Season 9, has captured the attention of reality TV fans worldwide with her vibrant personality, emotional authenticity, and headline-making moments. From her dramatic journey on MAFS to her personal growth, public controversies, and exciting life updates, Domenica’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and transformation.
This article delves into her MAFS experience, her life after the show, the controversies surrounding her, and the latest developments that have fans buzzing, particularly on platforms like YouTube, where her story continues to unfold.
Early Life and Background
Domenica Calarco, born in New South Wales, Australia, emerged as a fan favorite on Married at First Sight Australia (MAFS) Season 9, which aired in Australia in early 2022 and later in the UK on E4. Before joining the reality TV experiment, Domenica worked as a makeup artist, a profession that showcased her creative flair and outgoing personality. Known for her Italian heritage, she expressed a desire to find a partner who could match her vibrant energy and share her dream of building a large, close-knit family.
Her official MAFS bio highlighted her hope for a husband who would embrace her quirks and bring chemistry to the relationship, both emotionally and physically. Domenica’s openness about her past, including her divorce before appearing on MAFS, added depth to her character. She entered the show with a sense of empowerment, ready to embrace vulnerability and take a leap of faith by marrying a stranger at the altar.
MAFS Season 9: A Rollercoaster Romance
On MAFS, Domenica was paired with Jack Millar, a financial planner from Sydney. The couple quickly bonded over shared values, such as their love for animals and vegetarian lifestyles, which made them seem like a perfect match. Their chemistry was evident from the start, and fans rooted for their romance to flourish amidst the chaos of the MAFS experiment. However, their journey wasn’t without challenges, as Domenica’s outspoken nature and emotional intensity sometimes led to tension, both with Jack and other contestants.
Despite the ups and downs, Domenica and Jack’s relationship grew stronger throughout the season. They discussed the possibility of a real-world engagement, with Domenica telling New Idea, “We definitely spoke about the possibility of an engagement,” and Jack adding, “We definitely discussed how marriage would come [about] in the real world.” However, their romance did not last beyond the show, though they maintained a strong friendship. Domenica later shared with WHO magazine, “It could never be weird between us. We are one of a kind, and Jack will always have a place in my heart.”
The MAFS Experience: Drama, Feuds, and Scandals
One of the most talked-about moments of Domenica’s MAFS journey was the “nude photo scandal” that erupted during a dramatic dinner party. Fellow contestant Olivia Frazer uncovered a nude photo from Domenica’s now-deleted OnlyFans account, which she had briefly operated in 2002 during the global pandemic. The photo, originally shared on a Twitter account (@Sunday09692571) to promote her OnlyFans content, was circulated among the cast, sparking a heated confrontation.
The incident led to accusations of “slut-shaming” against Olivia, who admitted to googling Domenica after a prior altercation involving a smashed wine glass. Domenica was outraged, not only because her privacy was violated but also because she felt the act was intended to humiliate her. She told news.com.au, “The issue has never been about the distribution of the photo, it was the damage Olivia intended to cause by sharing it.” The controversy divided fans, with some condemning Olivia’s actions as revenge porn, while others argued that Domenica’s public OnlyFans content was fair game for discussion.
Domenica later addressed the scandal head-on, refusing to be shamed for her past. She told Yahoo Lifestyle, “The OnlyFans thing I did in 2020 for like, literally three or four months. It was a stage in my life where not only were we going into a global pandemic, but I had just gone through a divorce. I felt empowered by doing it. I don’t regret doing it at all.” She even humorously declared, “My body, my choice, b*h. I said it at the dinner party and I’ll say it again and I’ll put that st on a t-shirt.”
In a bold move to reclaim her narrative, Domenica briefly revived her OnlyFans account in 2022, sharing “PG” content like workouts and makeup tutorials, alongside some paid one-on-one chats. She emphasized that the platform was a legitimate way to earn income and expressed frustration at the stigma surrounding it, stating, “We’re so behind here in Australia. It’s easy for people to turn their noses up and say, ‘oh you’re selling yourself’. I was earning a living.”
Feud with Olivia Frazer
The OnlyFans scandal intensified Domenica’s feud with Olivia Frazer, which became one of the most explosive storylines of Season 9. The tension began early in the season, with the two women clashing over differing personalities and values. The situation escalated after the glass-smashing incident, where Domenica, frustrated during an argument, smashed a wine glass, prompting Olivia to dig into her online presence. The resulting fallout saw Domenica storm out of the dinner party, with co-stars like Cody Bromley questioning whether Jack was aware of her OnlyFans account.
The feud had lasting effects on Domenica, who later revealed she was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of the experience. On her podcast Sit With Us, co-hosted with MAFS bestie Ella Ding, she shared, “I actually get scared when I see a photo of [Olivia]. It brings back the PTSD of her sitting across from me. Like legitimately, for a while there after MAFS, sitting at any table that was like a dinner table or a table where I had to have a conversation, I’d legitimately freak out.” The trauma, validated by her therapist, highlighted the emotional toll of reality TV and public scrutiny.
Public Perception and Reddit Discussions
Domenica’s time on MAFS sparked polarized reactions among viewers, particularly on platforms like Reddit. A 2022 thread on r/MAFS_AU described her as “self-centered” and criticized her for making her partner Jack feel pressured about intimacy, especially regarding her expectations around physical affection. One user commented, “I keep thinking about how outraged people would be if the genders in their relationship were switched. Especially with the whole focus on sex and not feeling desired because they are not banging every 2 seconds.” Others found her behavior during conflicts, such as interrogating Jack about his feelings, to be overly intense.
However, many fans admired Domenica’s authenticity and vulnerability. Her willingness to confront difficult topics, like her past divorce and OnlyFans experience, resonated with those who saw her as a strong, unapologetic woman navigating a high-pressure environment. This dichotomy being both celebrated and criticized made her one of the most discussed contestants of the season.
Life After MAFS: Career Moves and Public Persona
After MAFS, Domenica capitalized on her fame by launching the Sit With Us podcast with Ella Ding in June 2022. The podcast, signed under a reported $250,000 12-month deal with Acast, became a platform for the duo to share their MAFS experiences, discuss mental health, relationships, and personal growth. The podcast was a hit among fans, who appreciated the raw and honest conversations between the two friends. However, it faced challenges as it dropped on podcast charts, leading to speculation about whether the full deal amount would be paid.
In October 2024, Domenica and Ella announced the end of Sit With Us and revealed they would pursue solo podcast ventures. The decision came after months of speculation about their friendship, fueled by their reduced joint appearances on social media. According to So Dramatic! with Megan Pustetto, the split was amicable, with both women eager to explore new creative directions. Domenica’s solo podcast is expected to continue her focus on mental health and empowerment, though specific details about its launch remain under wraps.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Domenica’s reality TV journey continued with her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia in 2023. The show allowed her to showcase a more vulnerable side, as she opened up about the scars left by her MAFS experience. She told news.com.au, “I did love my MAFS experience, but it was tainted by a few things. I definitely have scars from doing MAFS. I do think people don’t know the real story, and exactly how it made me feel.” The jungle setting provided a platform for Domenica to connect with audiences in a new way, earning praise for her authenticity and resilience.
Social Media and Mental Health Advocacy
Domenica has been candid about her mental health struggles, particularly the PTSD she developed post-MAFS. In 2024, she took a brief hiatus from social media to focus on her well-being, announcing her return in a YouTube video titled “MAFS star Domenica Calarco reveals she will return to social media within a week.” In the video, she discussed the importance of stepping back to prioritize mental health, a message that resonated with fans facing similar challenges.
Her openness about therapy and self-care has made her a relatable figure for many. In a 2023 interview with Mamamia, she shared how her post-MAFS projects, including her podcast and advocacy work, were aimed at helping others navigate their own struggles. “Moving on: MAFS’ Domenica Calarco marks a new chapter after opening up about her mental health journey,” read a headline from Now To Love, reflecting her commitment to personal growth.
The Latest Buzz: Pregnancy and Personal Life Updates
In March 2025, Domenica made headlines with a heartfelt Instagram video announcing her pregnancy, with her first child due in September 2025. The announcement, captioned “Been a little MIA working on my greatest project yet…..Baby due September 2025,” was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow MAFS stars like Jules Robinson, Jessika Power, and Bonnie Anderson. However, fans quickly noticed the absence of her boyfriend, Jarod Bogunovich, in the post, sparking breakup rumors.
Days later, Domenica confirmed to Daily Mail Australia and PerthNow that she and Jarod had ended their relationship. She stated, “I am incredibly excited about this next chapter in my life and feel truly empowered by my decision to step into motherhood on my own terms. While I will be welcoming this baby as a solo parent, I am grateful to have the support of the father in a co-parenting capacity.” This announcement highlighted her strength and determination to embrace single motherhood, a decision she described as empowering and purposeful.
Domenica also shared that she faced health challenges during her pregnancy, including a thyroid issue that left her bedridden. Despite these difficulties, her 14-week pregnancy update on Instagram Stories emphasized her excitement and resilience, noting, “I’m allowed to be sad,” while expressing gratitude for her support system.
Relationship with Jarod Bogunovich
Domenica and Jarod Bogunovich’s relationship had a storied history. The couple first dated in 2021 before Domenica joined MAFS. They reconnected in 2024 at a Sydney boxing gym and went public with their romance in October 2024, sharing cozy beach photos on Instagram. However, their relationship ended shortly before or after the pregnancy announcement, with Domenica confirming the split in March 2025. Fans speculated about the breakup after she commented on a TikTok post by Sasha Morpeth, writing, “Join the club babes argh,” in response to a quip about short-lived relationships.
Despite the breakup, Domenica emphasized Jarod’s commitment to co-parenting, ensuring their child would have both parents’ support. Her decision to embrace solo parenting while maintaining a positive co-parenting dynamic has been widely praised as a testament to her strength and maturity.
FAQs
What is Domenica’s role in Marriage or Mortgage?
On Marriage or Mortgage, Domenica appears as a participant navigating the difficult choice between investing in a wedding or putting money towards a home. She shares her personal views and experiences on balancing relationships and finances.
Is Domenica married or engaged?
On the show Marriage or Mortgage, Domenica’s relationship status was a key part of the storyline. She was engaged during filming, but fans are curious about her current relationship status. Recent updates on her social media suggest she is focusing on both her personal life and career.
What does Domenica do for a living?
Domenica is known to work in real estate and finance, which complements her practical approach to the Marriage or Mortgage dilemma. Her background helps her weigh the pros and cons of investing in property versus wedding expenses.
What was Domenica’s big decision on marriage or mortgage?
Domenica’s storyline involved her making a tough choice between funding a lavish wedding or putting the money toward a mortgage. Her practical and realistic approach resonated with many viewers who face similar financial dilemmas.
Has Domenica appeared on other TV shows besides MAFS?
As of 2025, Domenica has not been widely reported on other TV shows. However, due to her popularity, there is speculation she might appear in future reality or lifestyle shows related to real estate or relationships.
In Summary
Domenica Calarco’s journey from Married at First Sight Australia to becoming a single mother-to-be is a testament to her resilience, authenticity, and determination to live life on her own terms. Despite facing controversies like the OnlyFans scandal and a high-profile feud with Olivia Frazer, she’s emerged stronger, using her platform to advocate for mental health, body positivity, and empowerment. Her pregnancy announcement and decision to embrace solo parenting have only deepened her connection with fans, who continue to follow her story on YouTube and social media.
As she prepares to welcome her first child in September 2025, Domenica remains a compelling figure in the reality TV world, inspiring others with her courage and vulnerability. Whether through her podcast, social media updates, or future projects, her story is far from over, and fans will undoubtedly continue to search for the latest chapters in her remarkable journey.
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