“The double standard is INSANE” Hannah Burns calls out Perfect Match production for rules regarding discretion

Hannah Burns of The Mole has stirred controversy by openly criticising Perfect Match production for their apparent uneven guidelines on disclosing personal information. The 24-year-old reality star from Perfect Match is chastising the show's producers for not allowing her to provide critical personal information, despite other cast members doing so.

In a recent social media post, the reality star vented her discontent, alleging she was told not to divulge her engagement or pregnancy until the new season began. The caveat was that other participants were freely discussing their own relationships and updates online.

Perfect Match, which premiered its third season on Netflix on August 1, 2025, features famous personalities from Netflix's reality dating realm. Contestants from series like as The Mole, Too Hot to Handle, and Love Island battle for love and a cash reward using a combination of romance, drama, and strategic gaming.

While most of the cast have been sharing glimpses of their post-show lives, this particular contestant said she wasn’t given the same freedom. She revealed she was pregnant weeks before the show premiered, but claims producers blocked her from going public with any info about her current relationship status.

Burns' frustration highlights ongoing conversations around how much control reality shows have over their stars, even after filming ends. And with fans increasingly invested in what happens after the cameras stop rolling, it is clear that what goes down off-screen matters just as much as the drama we see on screen.

Her frustration peaked when she learned that fellow cast members AD Smith and Ollie Sutherland had already announced their engagement and pregnancy in March. Burns wrote on TikTok:

"So, since my castmates from PM announced their engagement and fake relationships, can I be allowed to announce my BD/fiancé now or ????"

She continued:

""Like, the double standard is INSANE."

The situation became more complex when Burns revealed she was completely edited out of the final season, despite apparently being required to maintain secrecy about her personal life for six months following filming.

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What were the qualms raised by Perfect Match’s Hannah Burns?

Burns' primary complaint centers on the apparent favoritism shown to certain cast members. While she was allegedly told to keep her engagement secret for six months, AD Smith and Ollie Sutherland publicly announced their engagement and pregnancy in March, well before the show's August premiere.

The timing raises questions about Netflix's confidentiality policies. Smith and Sutherland's early announcement suggests they received permission or faced different restrictions than Burns. Their relationship news generated significant publicity for the upcoming season.

Burns questioned why some contestants could share major life updates while others faced strict silence requirements. Her social media posts highlight the confusion many reality TV participants face regarding post-show publicity rules.

The situation became more frustrating for Burns when she discovered that she had been completely removed from the aired episodes. Despite participating in filming and following production guidelines, viewers won't see her contribution to the season.

Burns expressed her bewilderment about maintaining secrecy for a storyline that ultimately didn't make the final cut. She questioned the logic behind requiring discretion for content that wouldn't air, writing:

"Being told you have to keep your engagement a secret for six months only to find out you were completely cut from Perfect Match. What was the reason exactly?"

This disclosure implies that considerable post-production alterations happened after filming finished. Cast members seldom know their final edit until episodes are broadcast, making Burns' predicament especially difficult. Despite her production troubles, Burns has been open about her pregnancy and health concerns. She spoke about her PCOS and previous miscarriages, as well as the supplements and lifestyle changes she made to conceive.

Burns attributed her pregnancy's success to both medical and spiritual practices. She recounted taking inositol, ashwagandha, and other vitamins, as well as including prayer into her daily routine. Her openness regarding reproductive issues contrasts dramatically with the confidentiality restrictions of her love relationship.

This contrast exemplifies the difficult limits that reality TV players such as Perfect Match contestants negotiate between public and private lives.

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What are the implications of the same?

Burns' outspoken critique raises major concerns about reality television production standards and contestants' treatment. Her experience implies that confidentiality restrictions may not be implemented uniformly between cast members, perhaps giving certain players an unfair edge.

The issue also demonstrates how editing decisions may have a significant influence on Perfect Match contenders' possibilities after the competition. Being entirely pulled from a big Netflix series may limit Burns' potential to exploit Hannah Burns' reality TV expertise for future professional prospects.

Her choice to speak out publicly demonstrates how social media has shifted the power dynamic between production companies and rivals, allowing players to connect directly with consumers.

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You can stream Perfect Match exclusively on Netflix.