The final Married At First Sight (MAFS) 2026 wedding saw Filip and Stella tie the knot – much to the disappointment of Stella’s friends, who complained that Filip was only on the show to raise his profile.
Things then took a bizarre turn at the reception when one of Stella’s friends suggested a celebratory shot, despite Filip having just revealed he was sober. When he politely declined, Stella — and his own — friends piled criticism on him for not joining in.
“In Lithuanian weddings, we have this tradition,” Stella’s friend began. “So what we’re gonna do right now, we’re gonna drink vodka. Sprinkle some salt on the dark rye. Vodka represents joy, dark rye bread represents hardship, salt represents abundance, right? So, guys, drink your drinks.”
“I’m not doing that,” Filip responded.
“I don’t drink, that’s it, I just don’t do that, you know, and the reason why I don’t do that is that I tell people not to do it,” he responded, explaining that he promotes a sober lifestyle through his fitness program, where he encourages others to prioritise their health.
Although Stella quickly accepted that Filip didn’t want to drink, both her friends and his friends called him out on his choice and encouraged him to down the shot.
MAFS fans react to the vodka toast
The segment grew criticism from viewers, who thought it was in bad taste to try and “pressure” someone who’s chosen to be sober to drink alcohol.
“Good on Filip for sticking to his guns and not having the shot. I’m glad Stella seemed supportive and understanding… I hope it was genuine. No one should ever be pressured into drinking,” one person wrote. Another pointed out: “Trying to force someone who’s sober is very weird.”
A third user called out Filip’s own friend for encouraging him to drink, and pointed out that Stella’s mates didn’t know the circumstances surrounding his decision to be sober.
“Aren’t you guys supposed to be his mates? Why are you trying to force him to drink? And her family and friends don’t know if he’s a recovering alcoholic or something, and they’re trying to pressure him to drink,” they wrote.
Some other viewers singled out Stella’s friend Joe, who continually called Filip out during the ceremony, and suggested that he joined MAFS for clout.
“Joe, you’re the red flag. Getting mad at someone for not wanting to drink is weird,” a user wrote.
Married at First Sight (MAFS) 2026 airs Sunday – Monday on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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