Channel 4 wipe MAFS UK from site after allegations two 'brides' were raped by their on-screen 'husbands'
Warning: This article contains allegations of rape and sexual assault which some readers may find distressing
Earlier this evening (18 May), the BBC reported that two women said they were raped during the filming of Married At First Sight UK (MAFS UK) and a third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act.
They claim that the show did not do enough to protect them and they added that they are speaking to BBC Panorama as they feel they should have been better protected.
One woman alleged that her onscreen husband raped and threatened her with an acid attack.
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A second claimed to the BBC she told both Channel 4 and producers CPL before her series aired about being allegedly raped by her onscreen husband but her episodes were still shown.
And a third, named as 2023 star Shona Manderson, accused her onscreen husband of sexual misconduct as she claimed he ejaculated inside her without asking her permission on one occasion.
Channel 4 has now announced that in April it commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK. And the broadcaster has removed all previous seasons of the dating show from its streaming and linear services.
This includes all follow-ups of the UK edition of the franchise show, such as The Reunions, Unveiled and Afters. On the streaming site, these titles currently read as 'NO EPISODES AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON DEMAND'.
It said in a statement: "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.”
The broadcaster said MAFS UK is produced under 'some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry', including background checks, a code of conduct setting out behavioural standards and 'daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team'.
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.”
Regarding claims made by Shona, her onscreen husband, Bradley Skelly claimed he understood she had consented to him ejaculating inside her on that occasion.
In a statement, the groom said he categorically denies 'any allegations of sexual misconduct' or that he was 'controlling'. He said their relationship 'was based on mutual consent, care and affection'.
There have been calls for the 'dangerous' show to be taken off air.
The Dark Side of Married at First Sight – Panorama airs on BBC One at 8pm tonight.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available
10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and
1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
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, Married At First Sight
Jess Battison