MAFS AU: John Aiken calls out Layton for making Melinda feel ‘rejected and abandoned’

Married At First Sight expert John Aiken has criticized Layton Mills for making his wife Melinda Willis feel “rejected and abandoned.”

Last week, Layton, 35, felt betrayed by his wife for refusing to boycott the controversial couple swap job, which saw the pair ordered to switch partners with rival couple Harrison Boon and Bronte Schofield.

At Sunday night’s pledge ceremony, John called out Layton for making Melinda, 33, feel “rejected” by “cutting her off.”

“Layton, these are huge things and that’s why you need to hear them. This relationship is a one-way street and it makes her feel rejected, abandoned and that’s why you need to find out how she feels,” John said.

“But you’re not calculating, you’re not trying to shut Mel up to make her feel hurt. You’re a man who needs to start letting go, start saying yes, say sorry.”

Melinda also explained to Layton, “I didn’t hear from you for the three days and that morning you had an opportunity to come and talk to me and you didn’t.”

“I literally thought he hated me so much he didn’t want to come back. I felt very neglected, very rejected, very judged, very guilty, very hated.”

During the couples swap challenge, Melinda agreed to let Harrison, 32, live in their apartment for the weekend.

However, Layton reluctantly agreed to do some chores with Bronte, but refused to sleep in the same apartment on principle.

Last week, Layton (pictured) felt betrayed by his wife for refusing to boycott the controversial couple swap job, which saw the pair ordered to switch partners with rival couple Harrison Boon and Bronte Schofield

He then refused to return to the couple’s suite after the challenge was completed, feeling that Melinda had not supported his decision.

Frustrated with the standoff, Melinda stormed to Layton’s apartment to confront him.

‘I’m hurt. I’ve been scared and worried for three days about what’s going to happen and how to let you know I was there for you,” she explained.

“I was so upset and angry with you for three days. My heart breaks and then someone comes in and says, “Mel, sorry, Layton isn’t coming back.”

Layton explained that he “felt attacked” when Melinda agreed to do the pair swap with Harrison, even though he wasn’t comfortable with it.

“I’ve supported you every step of the way in this experiment,” he added.

“Layton, these are huge things and that’s why you need to hear them. This relationship is a one-way street and it makes her feel rejected, abandoned and that’s why you need to find out how she feels,” said John.

Melinda said she cared “so much” for Layton, but feared he no longer felt the same way about her just because she did what the experts asked of them.

“You know how much I care about you. I didn’t want to live with Bronte and I didn’t feel supported,” he replied.

Melinda said, “I didn’t mean to attack you or change your mind. I just wanted to make sure you had different perspectives.”

After spending the night apart, Layton returns to the apartment the next day and the couple agreed to continue working on their relationship.

Melinda explained to Layton, “During the three days I didn’t hear from you and that morning you had an opportunity to come and talk to me and you didn’t.” I literally thought he resented me so much that he didn’t want to come back. I felt very neglected, very rejected, very judged, very guilty, very hated”