MAFS UK star alleges they were sexually assaulted whilst filming reality show
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing
A star of the Channel 4 show Married at First Sight UK has alleged that they were sexually assaulted whilst filming the reality show.
The series brings random people together paired up by experts for a relationship, meeting for the first time walking down the aisle.
This then progresses to a honeymoon where the pairings get to know one another post-marriage, followed by time spent together alongside other couples in a complex in the UK.
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This involves dinner parties and ‘commitment ceremonies’, which gives the couples opportunities to unpack issues with relationship experts.
It has been alleged that in a 'non-recent' incident that a contestant was sexually assaulted whilst filming the TV show. This allegedly involved a couple whose scenes have already gone on air, with police investigating the shocking alleged incident.
The Sun broke the news that the incident was being investigated, with Channel 4 confirming in a statement that they were aware of the incident.
A spokesperson for the show said to LADbible: “We are aware that a report has been made to police about an alleged sexual assault during the filming of a dinner party. We take any issues on the show incredibly seriously.
"Producers follow strict welfare protocols as the wellbeing of the cast is always the first priority. Support would be offered to anyone who wished to report a matter to the authorities, and naturally we would cooperate with any enquiries or investigations."
A spokesperson for the Police said in a statement issued to The Sun: "We received a report of a non-recent sexual assault on June 14. Enquiries remain ongoing."
No one has been arrested or charged at the time of writing in connection with the alleged crime.
A source close to the show spoke anonymously to The Sun within their report, saying that this is ‘a nightmare scenario’ for producers.
They went on to say: “The show’s been criticised for throwing strangers together and sending them on honeymoon for viewers’ entertainment. Now it’s alleged someone was assaulted after tying the knot.”
This comes after producers on the show were criticised for a decision not to remove a contestant from last year's series.
Alexander Henry, who appeared in season nine of Married at First Sight: UK, faced allegations of domestic abuse in a complaint made to Channel 4.
The studio claimed that due to the show already having been filmed and his DBS criminal check coming back clean, they would not be editing him out.
The BBC claimed that they had seen emails proving that someone had made an allegation of domestic abuse against him, alongside a request for him to be removed from the show.
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.
Topics: Channel 4, Crime, TV, UK News, TV and Film
Michael Slavin