MAFS’ Michael Goonan reveals the TRUTH about his wealth in an uncensored interview with Daily Mail

Michael Goonan smirks when asked about the public intrigue surrounding his personal wealth and rumours he simply inherited his father’s commercial ice business.

He knew this topic was coming and he was well prepared. 

After all, he has faced gossip about his vast fortune for months – ever since he flashed his pricey Rolex watch and boasted of his love of ‘shiny things’ on the first episode of Channel Nine’s ratings blockbuster Married At First Sight.

 

Exclusive: Married At First Sight’s Michael Goonan (right) has revealed the truth about his wealth. He and girlfriend KC Osborne (left) talked sex, family plans and celebrity feuds in an uncensored interview with Daily Mail Australia

Open: On Thursday, Daily Mail Australia spoke with the 28-year-old company director and his 31-year-old dance instructor girlfriend, and no topic was off limits

But the 28-year-old father-of-one firmly defended himself, insisting to Daily Mail Australia he never inherited a cent from his wealthy family.

‘I’ve worked my a**e off for every dollar I have ever made,’ he said. ‘I’ve never had a handout in my life and have never been granted anything for free.’

Michael reckons he’s a self-made millionaire and has made a number of sacrifices to get there – including buying into his parents’ company, Adelaide Ice.

A trust fund baby? Hardly, he says.

If the origins of Michael’s wealth surprises you, then the other revelations in our exclusive and uncensored interview will be just as eye-opening. 

 Photogenic: Michael and KC also posed for an exclusive photo shoot at the Crown Towers hotel in Melbourne on Friday

Money matters: Michael smirked when asked about the public intrigue surrounding his personal wealth and rumours he simply inherited his father’s commercial ice business

Self-made: Michael firmly defended himself, insisting to Daily Mail Australia he never inherited a cent from his wealthy family

Made it: Michael reckons he’s a self-made millionaire and has made a number of sacrifices to get there – including buying into his parents’ company, Adelaide Ice

Bank on it: The reality TV ‘villain’ is often asked by Married At First Sight fans about his bank balance – but to begin with, Michael shudders at the idea he even has fans

His fan: ‘I don’t have fans,’ he said with a laugh, prompting KC to jump in to say she’s a fan

But don’t expect him to say much about his ex-‘wife’, Stacey Hampton, 26, who blocked him on Instagram after the demise of their TV marriage.

On Thursday, we spoke with the company director and his 31-year-old dance instructor girlfriend KC Osborne – who Australian MAFS viewers will remember from her own short-lived union with Drew Brauer – and no topic was off limits.

With characteristic candour and bawdy humour, Michael and KC talk money, gossip, feuds, exes and even family plans while in self-isolation in Melbourne – and the former party boy has a lot to get off his chest.  

MICHAEL AND KC TALK BUSINESS AND WEALTH 

The Scottish-born businessman just can’t shake the immense public interest in his personal wealth and how exactly he amassed his fortune.

The reality TV ‘villain’ is often asked by Married At First Sight fans about his bank balance – but to begin with, Michael shudders at the idea he even has fans.

‘I don’t have fans,’ he said with a laugh, prompting KC to jump in to say she’s a fan.

Michael said: ‘I’ve never called them fans. I’ve had people who have taken an interest in the show and who have been somewhat intrigued to see more of that person and what they’re like’ 

Role model: Michael likes to brush off his newfound celebrity, and insists he’s not ‘someone to be looked up to’

Hard worker: As well as insisting he’s worked for every dollar he’s ever earned, he added that the fact he has siblings with equal claims to the family fortune means he was never guaranteed an inheritance on a silver platter

Michael insisted: ‘It would be unfair for one of us to inherit something without the other. I never inherited anything’ 

He added: ‘I bought in and worked hard. I never had a handout in my life or been granted anything for free’

Important: Michael, who is keen to shed his party boy reputation, said he prioritises three things in life: his son, his relationships and his career

‘I’ve never called them fans. I’ve had people who have taken an interest in the show and who have been somewhat intrigued to see more of that person and what they’re like.’

Michael likes to brush off his newfound celebrity, and insists he’s not ‘someone to be looked up to’.

But his demeanour changed when he spoke about his business triumphs and the sacrifices he has made along the way.

Modest: Michael said he had simply made the ‘right decisions’ with regards to investing his money 

Careful: While he likes to live it up now and again, he doesn’t regularly splash his cash on designer goods

Investment: ‘I wasn’t buying new bags and Louis Vuitton belts. I put that money into something I wanted to grow and I put that behind my hard work’ he said 

Not what you think: Michael feels he’s incredibly misunderstood and wants people to know he has a no-nonsense approach to business matters, despite his goofy persona

He insisted: ‘I will be the funnest guy you will ever meet when the doors are closed after 5pm. But during work, we’re not here to muck around’

Tough too: Michael also praised KC’s work ethic, and described her a ‘shark’ when it comes to business

Hard workers: The former Pussycat Dolls backup dancer is launching her own lipstick line later this year with Vixen Cosmetics, which she owns a 50 per cent share in

Business: ‘KC is a shark and can handle herself, she’s passionate, she’s motivated,’ he said

As well as insisting he’s worked for every dollar he’s ever earned, he added that the fact he has siblings with equal claims to the family fortune means he was never guaranteed an inheritance on a silver platter.

‘It would be unfair for one of us to inherit something without the other. I never inherited anything,’ Michael said.

‘I bought in and worked hard. I never had a handout in my life or been granted anything for free.’

I wasn’t buying new bags and Louis Vuitton belts. I put that money into something I wanted to grow and I put that behind my hard work.

Michael said he had simply made the ‘right decisions’ with regards to investing his money – and while he likes to live it up now and again, he doesn’t regularly splash his cash on designer goods.

‘I’ve woken up to an alarm clock like everyone else, gone to work and I’ve made the right decisions with what I wanted to spend my saved money on,’ he said. 

‘I wasn’t buying new bags and Louis Vuitton belts. I put that money into something I wanted to grow and I put that behind my hard work.’

Don’t count her out: KC is confident on her own when it comes to business. But she does appreciate Michael’s support and advice, and says his drive inspires her

Support: ‘Even my mum said to me the other day, “Wow, having a partner like Michael, I feel like it pushes you to work harder as well,”‘ she said

 Fearless: In his typical humour, Michael also encouraged his trolls to keep it coming

Facts! ‘You’re not entitled to the facts, but you’re entitled to an opinion… just make sure when you’re trolling, it’s amusing and funny and different,’ he said with a laugh

Less resistant: KC, however, is more thoughtful when it comes to trolls. Unlike her boyfriend, she tends to take unflattering comments to heart

KC said: ‘I’m a girl. We’re a bit more emotional and sensitive. Some days, I just don’t care. Some days, I get a comment and it bothers me for the entire day’ 

(It was hard not to interpret this remark as anything but a swipe at his ex Stacey, whose enthusiasm for Louis Vuitton is well documented.)

Talking confidently about his work ethic, Michael said he ‘completely backs himself’ and is ‘passionate’ about his job.

He compared himself to a boxer who goes into the ring before a big fight, confident and prepared.

‘Liquor sales are up’: Besides running Adelaide Ice, Michael has his finger in several pies and even founded a wine company, Ase Wines, shortly before appearing on MAFS

Besides running Adelaide Ice, Michael has his finger in several pies and even founded a wine company, Ase Wines, shortly before appearing on MAFS. 

Despite many industries struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic, Michael – rather optimistically – sees plenty of opportunity in the online marketplace. 

‘I’m finding the industry impacted heavily, because of coronavirus. But in any times, there’s always opportunity,’ he said. 

‘Liquor sales are up, people are washing away their sorrows. Liquor sales have definitely increased. There’s a market there to be explored and exploited.’

MICHAEL MEANS BUSINESS

• The father-of-one insisted he bought into his parents’ ice distribution company in Adelaide and didn’t ‘inherit a cent’
• Michael simply made the ‘right decisions’ when it came to investing money and never purchased high-end goods, like Louis Vuitton
• His priorities in life are his son, his relationship and his work 
• On the job, he has a no-nonsense approach and he’s ‘not there to muck around and make friends’ 

Michael, who is keen to shed his party boy reputation, said he prioritises three things in life: his son, his relationships and his career. 

He feels he’s incredibly misunderstood and wants people to know he has a no-nonsense approach to business matters, despite his goofy persona.

‘There’s a lot of things people don’t understand about me. I take three things really seriously, and that’s my child, being a father to him, my relationships and the other one is work,’ Michael said.

‘Apart from that, I will be the funnest guy you will ever meet when the doors are closed after 5pm. But during work, we’re not here to muck around. We get the job done and then we have some fun.’

Loved up: The pair say they are now at the stage in their relationship where they are more comfortable around each other and don’t feel the need to act sexy all the time

Dressed up: For their photo shoot at Crown, KC donned a black and silver sweater dress, it’s mini length showing off her dancer’s legs  

 Well suited: She added a pair of knee-high black boots in a suede fabric 

That’s rich: Michael meanwhile wore a black shirt and slacks with an expensive gold watch 

Side by side: The couple made the most of the plush hotel room as they cuddled in bed and on the sofa 

He added that as a boss, his priority is to look after his employee’s livelihoods.

‘These are people’s livelihoods that I employ, these are people who have a family,’ he said.

‘I’m not here to muck around and make friends. We’re here to be professional and get a job done. But when we get home, we’re here to have some fun.’

Michael also praised KC’s work ethic, and described her a ‘shark’ when it comes to business.

Makeover: KC spoke with refreshing honesty about her $40,000 surgery makeover, saying there is no harm in enhancing yourself if it makes you happy. Pictured before and after surgery

The former Pussycat Dolls backup dancer is launching her own lipstick line later this year with Vixen Cosmetics, which she owns a 50 per cent share in. 

‘KC is a shark and can handle herself, she’s passionate, she’s motivated,’ he said. 

Meanwhile, KC is confident on her own when it comes to business. But she does appreciate Michael’s support and advice, and says his drive inspires her.

‘Even my mum said to me the other day, “Wow, having a partner like Michael, I feel like it pushes you to work harder as well,”‘ she said.

She said of her cosmetic work: ‘I love a natural beauty and if you want to enhance a natural beauty, that’s totally up to you. No one should judge you. Just do what makes you happy’ 

KC also spoke with refreshing honesty about her $40,000 plastic surgery makeover, saying there is no harm in enhancing yourself if it makes you happy. (KC has previously admitted to getting a boob job, fillers, Botox and veneers.)

‘I love a natural beauty and if you want to enhance a natural beauty, that’s totally up to you. No one should judge you. Just do what makes you happy,’ KC said.

‘It’s not really up to anyone else to decide what you can or can’t do with your body.’

The couple, who are clearly enamoured with each other, said they would be willing to work on a reality show together but are working on separate projects for the time being.  

JET SET LIFESTYLE 

Being so unafraid to flaunt their wealth, the reality TV lovebirds naturally attract plenty of criticism on social media.

Last month, they were slammed by their Instagram followers for catching a private jet during the COVID-19 crisis, with their oversized Louis Vuitton bags in tow.

But with Michael being so headstrong and confident, he couldn’t care less about the trolls and haters. 

‘To be honest, I’ve had people try to knock me down my whole life,’ he said. 

Making headlines: Being so unafraid to flaunt their wealth, the pair naturally attract plenty of criticism on social media. Last month, they were slammed by their Instagram followers for catching a private jet during the COVID-19 crisis, with their oversized Louis Vuitton bags in tow

‘I’ve had people try to knock me down my whole life’: With Michael being so headstrong and confident, he couldn’t care less about the haters

In his typical humour, Michael encouraged his trolls to keep it coming. 

‘You’re not entitled to the facts, but you’re entitled to an opinion… just make sure when you’re trolling, it’s amusing and funny and different,’ he said with a laugh. 

KC, however, is more thoughtful when it comes to trolls. Unlike her boyfriend, she tends to take unflattering comments to heart.

Tough: KC praised Michael for helping her to ‘brush off’ the negativity 

But she praised Michael for helping her to ‘brush off’ the negativity.

‘I think it’s amazing I have a partner that really does not give a s**t about trolls or whatever,’ KC said.

‘I’m a girl. We’re a bit more emotional and sensitive. Some days, I just don’t care. Some days, I get a comment and it bothers me for the entire day.’ 

MICHAEL ON DRUG USE AND BEING A PARTY BOY

Michael also spoke to Daily Mail Australia about the frequent questions he is asked about drug use, after it was rumoured he took cocaine while filming MAFS.

He pointed out that he could hardly have achieved his level of success had he spent every day partying, drinking and womanising.

Don’t call him a party boy! Michael pointed out that he could hardly have achieved his level of success had he spent every day partying, drinking and womanising

I’ve never portrayed myself as a saint. We’ve all made mistakes. 

‘I wouldn’t be where I am today if I was a party boy and out there and doing all this and everything,’ Michael said. 

‘Of course, I like to blow off steam like everyone else my age in Australia. Do I do it inappropriately? No… it’s water off a duck’s back.’

He said he’s aware of his party boy image, but the reality doesn’t match up to his wild reputation. 

‘I never portrayed myself as a saint. We’ve all made mistakes,’ he said. 

KC AND MICHAEL’S LOVE STORY 

Michael and KC are still in the honeymoon stage of their relationship – and that’s saying it politely. 

The businessman said that he pounced on his girlfriend earlier this week after she shared a photo to Instagram of herself in red lingerie.

The moment he got him from work, he told KC to ‘get to bed’ – but things didn’t go to plan. 

Red hot: Michael and KC are still in the honeymoon stage of their relationship – and that’s saying it politely

Close: The pair joked that they already feel like they are married because they are living in each other’s pockets while in lockdown 

 ‘I was like, “what the f**k happened to the bra, where did the sexy bra go? I didn’t pause Netflix for nothing!”

‘I was trying it on and walking around the house, taking pics for this lingerie company and he was like, “Oh, hurry up and get to bed,’ KC said with a laugh. 

‘So next minute, I shower and jump into my old trackies and a T-shirt and he goes, “What’s that?” 

Michael chimed in: ‘I was like, “What the f**k happened to the bra? Where did the sexy bra go? I didn’t pause Netflix for nothing!”‘

In all seriousness, the pair are now at the stage in their relationship where they are more comfortable around each other and don’t feel the need to act sexy all the time. 

FAMILY AND MARRIAGE PLANS

KC and Michael have said their relationship is so serious, they are already planning a wedding. 

‘I think we’d be naive to think that those plans aren’t on the horizon. We’re not getting any younger [and] this isn’t a high school date, it’s serious,’ Michael said.

‘We’re discussing budgeting and really grown up conversations like that… life goals, which are ten years down the track.’ 

‘I’m waiting for a ring!’ KC and Michael have said their relationship is so serious, they are already planning a wedding

The pair joked that they already feel like they are married because they are living in each other’s pockets while in lockdown. 

But despite living like de factos, KC joked she was still ‘waiting for her ring’.

When asked about their relationship, she said that Michael was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. 

‘I don’t want to date anymore. I’m happy where I am. I can see a future with Michael and I love the guy,’ she said. 

‘As long as I can work and do what I love, I’m so happy to be coming home to be with someone like Michael.’

FATHERHOOD 

If they’re planning on having children, it seems Michael is already well-rehearsed because he has a two-year-old son, Connor, from a previous relationship.

KC ribbed her partner during their interview with Daily Mail Australia, saying she couldn’t believe Michael had fathered such a well-behaved child. 

‘You can tell he’s been raised really well,’ she said.

KC has met Connor but doesn’t consider herself to be a stepmother just yet.

‘Obviously I’m not the mum. He has his mum. But I’m here to help Michael. I love the kid, I really do,’ she said.

Family: Michael has a two-year-old son named Connor from a previous relationship (pictured). KC recently met Connor and said he was well-behaved

Michael is ‘strict dad’ by his own account, which may come as a surprise to fans who have only seen his fun and reckless side. 

‘A lot of people wouldn’t believe it. I’m strict with him, I’m a strict dad. He has to be well-behaved. I don’t want a kid running around,’ he said. 

Michael added half-seriously that he doesn’t want his son to end up like him. 

‘It’s important for him to be a child, but you have to set the boundaries really early. If not, he might turn out like me!’ he laughed.       

CELEBRITY FEUDS AND STACEY HAMPTON

They may have walked off into the sunset together, but KC and Michael still have to deal with the aftermath of their dirty laundry being aired on MAFS.

Michael was paired with single mother Stacey Hampton in the experiment, but things ended badly after she was accused at the reunion dinner party of sleeping with another groom, Mikey Pembroke, earlier in the season.

Reflecting on his relationship with Stacey, Michael insisted he had no regrets and that his feelings for her were genuine.

But they are far from friendly exes. In fact, they’re not even on speaking terms. 

Michael hinted at some bad blood between the pair when he revealed that Stacey had blocked him and KC on Instagram. 

Case of the ex: They may have walked off into the sunset together, but KC and Michael still have to deal with the aftermath of their dirty laundry being aired on MAFS. Michael’s ex-‘wife’, Stacey Hampton, holds a grudge and has blocked him and KC on Instagram

‘We haven’t spoken since the reunion [in January],’ he said. ‘That relationship ended for various reasons. It came to an end and two parties moved on.’

‘Watching it back, it was a genuine relationship, I was invested in it. But it didn’t work out. That’s life. Appreciate your bad days; they are a measure of the good ones.’  

Michael doesn’t speak to anyone from MAFS these days with the exception of Chris Nicholls and Ivan Sarakula. 

‘It didn’t work out… but that’s life’: Michael doesn’t speak to anyone from MAFS these days with the exception of Chris Nicholls and Ivan Sarakula

KC was partnered with Drew Brauer on MAFS as an ‘intruder couple’. 

‘We both tried our hardest with our marriages on the show, but they just didn’t work out,’ she said, drawing a line under the relationship.

But that’s all in the past, and KC and Michael are just happy to have found one another. And it’s clear they’re not looking back.

‘For me, life gave me a road and I walked down it and there was a little prize at the end,’ Michael said of his girlfriend. 

‘I can’t complain. It’s like the butterfly effect: Everything happens for a reason.’  

‘There was a little prize at the end’: After everything that’s happened, Michael and KC have no regrets because they found one another in the end

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