Two women have alleged they were raped during the filming of Married at First Sight UK, one of Channel 4’s biggest shows, and a third alleged she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act. The women told the BBC’s Panorama that the show did not do enough to protect them.
The programme alleged Channel 4 was aware of some allegations before broadcast and that episodes featuring the women had been available on its streaming service until recently. Channel 4 said it removed all episodes from streaming and linear services, alongside Married at First Sight UK social channels, on Monday afternoon.
Channel 4 said it was presented with “serious allegations” in April against a small number of past contributors, which it understood were denied by those contributors. It said that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing protocols, “prompt and appropriate action was taken”.
Lawyers for CPL, the independent production company that makes the UK version of the show, said its welfare protocols were “gold standard” and that it acted appropriately. According to Panorama, one woman said her onscreen “husband” raped her and threatened her with an acid attack. Lawyers for the man denied rape.
A second woman alleged she told Channel 4 and CPL before broadcast about being allegedly raped, but her episodes were still aired. CPL said it followed welfare protocols. A third woman accused her onscreen husband of sexual misconduct.
Channel 4’s new chief executive, Priya Dogra, launched an external review of contributor welfare on the show last month. “I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part,” Dogra said.
