New Married At First Sight UK series 'won't air' after rape allegations
Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and sexual misconduct which some readers may find distressing.
The latest series of Married at First Sight: UK will reportedly not be airing as planned in light of brand new allegations that the production did not properly protect three women who have accused their on-screen 'husbands' of sexual misconduct.
The show has been totally wiped from Channel 4's website whilst the studio investigates the claims made against its welfare team, with the women involved criticising Channel 4 in their interviews on BBC's Panorama.
The Sun have claimed that the upcoming new season of the show has been completely cancelled following the allegations made.
Shona Manderson, the only one of the three women to have waived her right to anonymity, has claimed that her on-screen partner Brad Skelly ejaculated inside her without her consent, which led her to first get the morning after pill before she was later forced into getting an abortion.
Skelly was axed from the show because of his 'controlling behaviour', while Manderson has since told BBC Panorama that his actions prompted her 'really hard' decision to get an abortion.
The other two women at the forefront of the allegations have equally troubling claims, with one suggesting that her on-screen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack, while another claims that her designated partner raped her and became violent towards her.
All of the men involved deny the allegations.
What have Channel 4 said about the claims?
A spokesperson for the Channel 4 show said: "MAFS UK is produced under some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry. These include the most thorough background checks available, a Code of Conduct which clearly sets out behavioural standards, daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team and access to additional support before, during and after filming. The physical and psychological wellbeing of all contributors is of paramount importance throughout the process. All duty of care processes are regularly reviewed and, where appropriate, strengthened.
"In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied. The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations.
"Related to those allegations, Channel 4 was asked to respond to claims of failures in welfare protocols. Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time. Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary.
"Notwithstanding the actions taken at the time, Channel 4’s recently appointed CEO, Priya Dogra instructed an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK last month.
"This review is now underway and has two elements. The first, conducted by law firm Clyde & Co, is examining the welfare protocols in place on this programme at the time claims were raised, as well as the handling by Channel 4 and CPL of those claims.
"Alongside the lawyer-led review, Channel 4 has commissioned an external industry expert to examine if any changes should be made to current protocols for MAFS UK to further strengthen contributor welfare. This work is being led by former BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey, who is a highly experienced media executive with deep understanding of programme making, as well as being a vocal advocate for rigorous welfare protocols in TV production.
"Channel 4 expects the review to report in the coming months and will share a summary of findings and recommendations at the appropriate time. While the review is ongoing and until we receive any conclusions and recommendations – and considering Channel 4’s ongoing duty of care to all contributors, the seriousness of the allegations levelled against a small number of past contributors, and out of an abundance of caution to avoid fuelling speculation or jigsaw identification – all previous seasons of MAFS UK have been removed from Channel 4 streaming and linear services at this time, alongside Channel 4’s MAFS UK social channels.
Priya Dogra, Chief Executive of Channel 4 said: “I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married at First Sight UK. The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance.
“It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors. Those allegations – which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused – are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on. We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved.
“On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre.
“Nevertheless, because we aspire to the highest standards of contributor welfare, I felt strongly as Channel 4’s new CEO that it was right that we look again at how we handled issues raised at the time and ask whether changes should be made to further strengthen contributor welfare.
“That’s why last month I commissioned an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK. That review will report to me in the coming months.
“We take these issues very seriously and are committed to ensuring that we continue to lead the industry in our duty of care for contributors.”
Despite the claims made by The Sun, Channel 4 confirmed to LADbible that 'no decision' has been made and that it will wait for the results of an 'external review' before deciding what happens next.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
Topics: Channel 4, TV and Film, TV, Crime, UK News
Michael Slavin