Latest news with #KatieJohnston
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Married At First Sight bride Katie Johnston sobs as she reveals she's repaid her employees the massive sum she owed in unpaid superannuation
Katie Johnston has broken down in tears as she repaid an outstanding debt to her employees on Wednesday. The Married At First Sight bride is the director of the Wild The Lifestyle Co Pty Ltd, which went into liquidation in 2023 while owing $400,000, which included over $150,000 in unpaid superannuation. Johnston says she fell behind financially during the Covid pandemic and this week announced that she has returned $150,000 in unpaid super to her employees. A video shared on Instagram showed the 37-year-old swatting away tears as she pressed 'send' on a final transfer of the funds. 'I just paid off the last of the superannuation debt that had built up during COVID - and honestly, it feels surreal,' she wrote in a lengthy Instagram caption. 'After years of working tirelessly, making sacrifices, and holding onto hope, this moment feels like a quiet victory. I've been carrying the weight of those hard times for a long time, and today I finally get to let some of it go,' Katie continued. 'To my past and current staff - thank you. Your patience, your understanding, and your belief in me gave me the strength to keep going. You've shown me what real loyalty and humanity look like, and I'll never forget it. 'If you're still fighting through the financial aftermath of COVID - you are not alone. So many of us struggled, and there should be no shame in doing your best to survive a global crisis. Everyone's situation is different, and the decisions you made to protect your family, your staff, or even just your own well-being were not easy.' She concluded: 'Walk with your head high. I know what it's like to go to war within yourself trying to avoid the tough choices. Just remember: you're not weak, you're resilient. And anyone who makes you feel otherwise has no idea what you've carried. 'This chapter closes with gratitude, grace, and the hope that we all rise - not despite the struggle, but because of it.' In the clip, Katie was accompanied by her accountant from In Depth Accounting and acknowledged that some employees may have felt they were part of a 'horror story'. 'I just want to say a massive thanks to the staff for riding that horrible wave with me,' Katie said in the video. 'I know some of you were really upset and that we had to all go through that. 'But you have not missed out on anything. I am really sorry that I had to make really hard decisions but thank you for those who were patient with me and really understanding. 'It made this last year a lot more manageable and I am insanely grateful for your grace and patience and understanding.' The TV star broke down after pressing the confirmation button, after stating, 'I hope I don't cry that would be awkward. I'm going to cry'. What Katie had described as a 'social enterprise' business while she was a participant on the reality TV juggernaut Married at First Sight had debts of nearly half a million dollars, including unpaid superannuation to its employees. Documents from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) show Wild The Lifestyle Co Pty Ltd - directed by Katie Johnston - was placed into liquidation on June 28, 2023. Johnston described her job on an episode of the show as being 'CEO of a social enterprise group of restaurants - we split our profits helping others who are doing it tough and help them with emergency food and emergency housing'. The group known as EATS has a number of restaurants in southeast Queensland and Wild the Lifestyle Co was the business responsible for two Sunshine Coast locations at Eumundi and Sunshine Plaza. Johnston is not accused of any wrongdoing and EATS, which stands for Empowering All Through Support, is still operating despite the collapse of Wild the Lifestyle Co business. According to the liquidator's report, the company owed $493,927 when it collapsed. Unpaid superannuation accounted for $150,709, while $190,980 was owed to the tax office, and $141,174 was owed to Mercedes Benz Financial Services relating to loans for two cars - a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE300D and a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC200. Following the liquidation EATS Eumundi was sold to the company EATS Nambour Pty Ltd, also owned by Johnston, while EATS Sunshine Plaza closed its doors. Johnston said she intended to repay the money. 'The repayment plan is in place and being maintained. Covid ruined a lot of businesses and continues to ruin people's lives as we struggle with cost of living and mass business closures,' Johnston told The Sunshine Coast Daily. The group still operates restaurants at Carindale, Kawana and Pacific Fair along with the Eumundi location. Among the causes it donates money to are poverty stricken communities in Peru. Johnston was a finalist in the 2021 Young Business Woman of the Year Awards held by the Sunshine Coast Women's Business Network. A year earlier in 2020, Katie revealed her devastation after discovering her Sunshine Coast restaurant had been robbed during COVID lockdowns, with thieves making off with iPads and cash. And two years prior, Katie bravely penned an open letter in the local newspaper about bullies on Noosa's beaches, who had targeted her with hurtful comments. Her response received overwhelming public support. Katie was paired on MAFS this year with Tim Gromie. He was quick to establish himself as one of the show's 'villains' after a bizarre text he sent to a former MAFS participant was revealed. He also complained to a producer he wanted to be matched with someone 'petite and blonde'.
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
MAFS star makes tearful final payment of $150k unpaid staff super
Former MAFs star Katie Johnston has made an emotional announcement to her former staff, saying she has paid back every cent of the $150,000 in unpaid super annuation. The 37-year-old who had a hard time on the reality show after her husband said he wasn't attracted to her because he prefers 'petite' women, confirmed the impact of Covid had caused her financial difficulties but proudly announced she had worked hard over the last 12 months to make sure no one was out of pocket, Johnston described herself as the CEO of a 'social enterprise' group of restaurants that splits profits with those who are doing it tough. The company that owned two restaurants, Wild The Lifestyle Co Pty, which was directed by Johnston, went into liquidation in 2023 owing more than $400,000 including over $150,000 in unpaid superannuation. On Wednesday evening Johnston said in a video 'I just want to say a massive thanks to the staff for riding that horrible wave with me'. 'I know some of you were really upset and that we had to all go through that. But you have not missed out on anything. I am really sorry that I had to make really hard decisions but thankyou for those who were patient with me. and really understanding. 'It made this last year a lot more manageable and I am insanely grateful for your grace and patience and understanding.' For those that 'pushed and didn't believe in me and gave me a hard time that's totally fine I understand that completely'. Johnston said she understood people may fear the worst and be part of a 'horror story' but that's 'not so thankyou so much'. The video was filmed in the office of her accountant 'the lovely Renee' from In Depth Accounting. She said Renee 'held my hand' the entire way through the process. As Johnston pressed the confirm button on what she said was the final payment, she burst into tears after saying 'I hope I don't cry that would be awkward. I'm going to cry'.
Courier-Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
MAFs star Katie Johnston makes final $150k payment in unpaid staff super
Don't miss out on the headlines from Reality. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former MAFs star Katie Johnston has made an emotional announcement to her former staff, saying she has paid back every cent of the $150,000 in unpaid super annuation. The 37-year-old who had a hard time on the reality show after her husband said he wasn't attracted to her because he prefers 'petite' women, confirmed the impact of Covid had caused her financial difficulties but proudly announced she had worked hard over the last 12 months to make sure no one was out of pocket, Johnston described herself as the CEO of a 'social enterprise' group of restaurants that splits profits with those who are doing it tough. The company that owned two restaurants, Wild The Lifestyle Co Pty, which was directed by Johnston, went into liquidation in 2023 owing more than $400,000 including over $150,000 in unpaid superannuation. MAFs star Katie Johnston has paid back every cent of the $150,000 in unpaid super annuation. Picture: Instagram/supplied On Wednesday evening Johnston said in a video 'I just want to say a massive thanks to the staff for riding that horrible wave with me'. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY 'I know some of you were really upset and that we had to all go through that. But you have not missed out on anything. I am really sorry that I had to make really hard decisions but thankyou for those who were patient with me. and really understanding. 'It made this last year a lot more manageable and I am insanely grateful for your grace and patience and understanding.' For those that 'pushed and didn't believe in me and gave me a hard time that's totally fine I understand that completely'. Johnston said she understood people may fear the worst and be part of a 'horror story' but that's 'not so thankyou so much'. The video was filmed in the office of her accountant 'the lovely Renee' from In Depth Accounting. She said Renee 'held my hand' the entire way through the process. As Johnston pressed the confirm button on what she said was the final payment, she burst into tears after saying 'I hope I don't cry that would be awkward. I'm going to cry'. Originally published as MAFS star makes tearful final payment of $150k unpaid staff super
Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
MAFS star reveals she's turned to fat jabs in desperate bid to lose weight after being bodyshamed on show and by trolls
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MARRIED At First Sight star has revealed she's been subject to "shame" after opting to use fat jabs to lose weight. The E4 favourite, who featured in the Australian version of the matchmaking series, told of her "frustration" at more traditional methods which failed to have an impact on her wellbeing. 6 A MAFS star has revealed she's turned to fat jabs in desperate bid to lose weight Credit: Instagram / itswildbykatie 6 It came after Katie Johnston had been body-shamed by groom Tim Gromie on the E$ show Credit: Nine 6 Restaurant CEO Katie told how she had been hit with 'shame' due to her weight loss method Credit: Instagram / itswildbykatie The auburn-haired star, 37, found fame on Married At First Sight's most recent series, where fans were quick to call out her groom Tim Gromie's cruel conduct. MAFS fans watched in horror as school teacher Tim brutally rejected Katie Johnston just minutes after they said I Do - as he insisted she was nothing like what he "would have wanted". Having pulled a producer to the side, he exclaimed: "What the f***?" He continued: "Totally not what I wanted. "It's not good. I normally go just short, blonde. petite. "Katie is like nothing that I would normally go for." After the body-shaming on screen, restaurant CEO Katie told how she was using "scientific help" for her weight loss - because "that's what it's there for." In a piece to camera filmed outside, she told fans: "I have initially started my GLP1 journey with quite a bit of shame wrapped around it. "Because I was frustrated that I couldn't do it myself and I just didn't have the capacity to figure it out on my own. MAFS' Katie breaks down in tears in upsetiting scenes with Tim "And I utilised scientific help and that's what it's there for. "So it's anything, any meds that you use to help you control parts of yourself like for example anti anxieties, I've used anti anxieties for really bad times in my life that I couldn't cope." GLP1 is a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It also plays a role in slowing down digestion, and is often a treatment used to help Type 2 Diabetes. The star, whose show groom rudely confessed he wanted to "run away" during the experiment ultimately ended up quitting the series. Mafs couples that have stood the test of time Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby. The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam's Doncaster home. Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau. Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December. Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: 'I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out - and excited for everything to come.' Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019. Owen recalled: 'I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work. "While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in. 'The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, 'Wouldn't it be funny if I signed up?' 'A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.' Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson. Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna's vegan lifestyle, the show's first same sex pairing are still going strong. They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod. Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: "We're not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship." Yet Queensland native Katie has gained a legion of loyal fans since appearing on-air, who appreciate her cheery character and bubbly, positive personality. Though showing how the backlash towards fat jabs had hit a nerve, she said in her long clip: "OK I'm going to go on a little bit of a rant because I'm frustrated and that's what I do when I'm frustrated. "I'm over people being shamed for using GLP1 or any other method of weight loss. "Anything that people do is their choice and it's up to them and only you know your path and what got you into the position you are and the help that you need. "Only you know that. Sorry about my b****y state "But just be kind to yourself. She rounded off with the words: "So please don't let the narrative out there that it's so easy to lose weight and just eat well, just exercise well. "Just be more motivated, have more discipline - go away! Leave us alone. We're figuring it out. "We are giving ourselves breathing space to be able to implement new habits and learn new things and transition our life to a healthier life. "So help us on our journey and cheer us on instead of giving us a hard time, thank you." She captioned the video: "Dear THAT person, go away, we are all on our own path, you do you, " and one fan replied: "You are so right Katie and I love you either way and you will always be my fave girl x" A second put: "Love this message," as a third posted: "Screw them loves you are amazing and you are rocking it." One then added: "You just keep being You XOXO." Another surmised: "Just keep being you and good luck in your next wellbeing journey everyone needs little help now and again be kind to yourself and ignore the negativity of people xx" SHOW STORY Since her show stint which aired in the UK earlier this year, it emerged her groom Tim had been messaging another bride during their honeymoon. During the scenes, fans were convinced the tattooed star who had an extreme reluctance to talk about his own marriage was a producer "plant." Tim told their co-stars at the Dinner Party he felt he was making the most effort in their relationship, having struggled to find a connection with her - despite scenes showing the exact opposite playing out on screen. It left Katie's fellow bride Jamie furious as she defended Katie and branded Tim a 'gaslighter'. 6 She has opted for the GLP1 jab Credit: Instagram / itswildbykatie 6 The Queensland native suffered a torrid time on the E4 show Credit: Channel 9
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
MAFS star reveals she's turned to fat jabs in desperate bid to lose weight after being bodyshamed on show and by trolls
A MARRIED At First Sight star has revealed she's been subject to "shame" after opting to use fat jabs to lose weight. The E4 favourite, who featured in the Australian version of the matchmaking series, told of her "frustration" at more traditional methods which failed to have an impact on her wellbeing. 6 6 6 The auburn-haired star, 37, found fame on Married At First Sight 's most recent series, where fans were quick to call out her groom Tim Gromie's cruel conduct. MAFS fans watched in horror as school teacher Tim brutally rejected Katie Johnston just minutes after they said I Do - as he insisted she was nothing like what he "would have wanted". Having pulled a producer to the side, he exclaimed: "What the f***?" He continued: "Totally not what I wanted. "It's not good. I normally go just short, blonde. petite. "Katie is like nothing that I would normally go for." After the body-shaming on screen, restaurant CEO Katie told how she was using "scientific help" for her weight loss - because "that's what it's there for." In a piece to camera filmed outside, she told fans: "I have initially started my GLP1 journey with quite a bit of shame wrapped around it. "Because I was frustrated that I couldn't do it myself and I just didn't have the capacity to figure it out on my own. MAFS' Katie breaks down in tears in upsetiting scenes with Tim "And I utilised scientific help and that's what it's there for. "So it's anything, any meds that you use to help you control parts of yourself like for example anti anxieties, I've used anti anxieties for really bad times in my life that I couldn't cope." GLP1 is a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. It also plays a role in slowing down digestion, and is often a treatment used to help Type 2 Diabetes. The star, whose show groom rudely confessed he wanted to "run away" during the experiment ultimately ended up quitting the series. Mafs couples that have stood the test of time Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby. The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam's Doncaster home. Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau. Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December. Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: 'I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out - and excited for everything to come.' Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019. Owen recalled: 'I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work. "While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in. 'The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, 'Wouldn't it be funny if I signed up?' 'A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.' Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson. Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna's vegan lifestyle, the show's first same sex pairing are still going strong. They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod. Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: "We're not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship." Yet Queensland native Katie has gained a legion of loyal fans since appearing on-air, who appreciate her cheery character and bubbly, positive personality. Though showing how the backlash towards fat jabs had hit a nerve, she said in her long clip: "OK I'm going to go on a little bit of a rant because I'm frustrated and that's what I do when I'm frustrated. "I'm over people being shamed for using GLP1 or any other method of weight loss. "Anything that people do is their choice and it's up to them and only you know your path and what got you into the position you are and the help that you need. "Only you know that. Sorry about my b****y state "But just be kind to yourself. She rounded off with the words: "So please don't let the narrative out there that it's so easy to lose weight and just eat well, just exercise well. "Just be more motivated, have more discipline - go away! Leave us alone. We're figuring it out. "We are giving ourselves breathing space to be able to implement new habits and learn new things and transition our life to a healthier life. "So help us on our journey and cheer us on instead of giving us a hard time, thank you." She captioned the video: "Dear THAT person, go away, we are all on our own path, you do you, " and one fan replied: "You are so right Katie and I love you either way and you will always be my fave girl x" A second put: "Love this message," as a third posted: "Screw them loves you are amazing and you are rocking it." One then added: "You just keep being You XOXO." Another surmised: "Just keep being you and good luck in your next wellbeing journey everyone needs little help now and again be kind to yourself and ignore the negativity of people xx" SHOW STORY Since her show stint which aired in the UK earlier this year, it emerged her groom Tim had been messaging another bride during their honeymoon. During the scenes, fans were convinced the tattooed star who had an extreme reluctance to talk about his own marriage was a producer "plant." Tim told their co-stars at the Dinner Party he felt he was making the most effort in their relationship, having struggled to find a connection with her - despite scenes showing the exact opposite playing out on screen. It left Katie's fellow bride Jamie furious as she defended Katie and branded Tim a 'gaslighter'. 6 6 6
