Married At First Sight’s Sara Mesa reveals she was ‘manipulated and gaslit’ in relationship – as she announces she’s single

Married At First Sight bride Sara Mesa has revealed that she has suffered a bad breakup. 

The reality star-turned-influencer, 30, said in an Instagram post this week that she’s single after splitting with an unnamed man. 

‘Had to leave a relationship that was hurting me more than making me happy,’ Sara wrote. 

‘I was constantly manipulated, gaslit, lied to, cheated on, given minimal effort, boundaries pushed and treated with very little respect,’ she continued. 

‘The person I was dating wasn’t who I thought he was. I haven’t spoken about this because it’s still fresh and painful.’

Sara concluded: ‘When someone shows you who they are – believe them. Walk away from someone who makes you feel like you’re hard to love,’ she wrote.

‘Maybe I’ll share more about my experience once I’m healed and ready.’

It comes after her ex, Tim Calwell, who she ‘married’ on MAFS, denied ever cheating on Sara. 

The pair endured a tumultuous relationship on the 2024 series and Tim later moved on with his girlfriend Barbara.

Tim and Barbara met in February, just weeks after his ill-fated marriage with Sydney-based nutritionist Sara went to air.

Not long after, the pair were spotted buying some takeaway food and drinks before heading to a nursery to buy some plants.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the business owner, 32, adamantly denied cheating on his TV bride and insisted he only began to pursue his relationship with Barbara after splitting with Sara.

‘Had to leave a relationship that was hurting me more than making me happy,’ Sara wrote

‘No I wasn’t seeing anyone through the experiment. I was literally locked in, dialled in, trying to make our relationship work,’ he explained at the time.

‘I don’t know why, if she’s bringing that up… she’s trying to throw heat on my end to try and distract, maybe, from whatever going on in her ballpark.’

Tim described his TV marriage with Sara as ‘toxic’ and very up and down.

‘It was definitely very up and down. Almost toxic at this point, I don’t know,’ he said.

‘We were trying our best to be in a relationship. The whole experience is very intense anyway… it definitely wasn’t comfortable for me.’

‘I was constantly manipulated, gaslit, lied to, cheated on, given minimal effort, boundaries pushed and treated with very little respect,’ she continued

Sara recently revealed the shocking amount she was paid for appearing on the show. 

After a follower asked, ‘How much did you get paid for MAFS?’ Sara revealed the brutal truth.

‘$150 per day and then $180 a week for groceries. Chump change,’ she wrote.

While she made a shockingly low amount while the show was filming, Sara has reportedly made bank following her stint on the dating experiment. 

The Colombian-born reality contestant has made at least $55,681 from her social media, according to entertainment data experts at NZ Casino.

Since MAFS, she has secured several brand collaborations and has been paid for night club appearances.

She has also nabbed a six-figure deal alongside her fellow MAFS bestie, Lauren Dunn.

Her ex, Tim Calwell (left), who she ‘married’ on MAFS, denied ever cheating on Sara