Allegations of Rape and Sexual Misconduct on Married at First Sight UK Prompt Investigation and Sponsor Exit

Lead

Two women have alleged they were raped during the filming of Married at First Sight UK, and a third woman has alleged she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act, according to a BBC Panorama investigation. The allegations have prompted Channel 4 to remove all episodes from its streaming platforms, a government call for an investigation, and the exit of a major sponsor.

Coverage Comparison

The story was covered by ABC Australia and The Guardian, with each outlet focusing on different aspects. ABC Australia highlighted the experience of a former Australian contestant, Tahnee Cook, who described the pressure to be intimate on the show. The Guardian's coverage centered on the official responses, including Channel 4's chief executive standing by the broadcaster's handling of concerns, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's call for an investigation, and Tui's decision to end its sponsorship.

Key Claims

• Two women have alleged they were raped during the filming of Married at First Sight UK, and a third woman alleged she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act, as reported by The Guardian.
• Channel 4 has removed all episodes of Married at First Sight UK from its streaming platforms, as reported by The Guardian.
• The Metropolitan police are investigating the allegations, as reported by The Guardian.
• Tui has ended its sponsorship of Married at First Sight UK, as reported by The Guardian.
• Channel 4's chief executive, Priya Dogra, has apologized for the distress caused to contestants, as reported by The Guardian.
• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has called for an investigation into the allegations, as reported by The Guardian.
• An external review of contributor welfare has been launched, as reported by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Channel 4 and CPL

Channel 4 has said it was presented with "serious allegations" in April and that it believes it acted appropriately, while also commissioning an external review into contributor welfare. Lawyers for CPL, the production company, have described its welfare protocols as "gold standard" and said it acted appropriately in all cases.

The Alleging Women

Two women, who have not been named, told BBC Panorama that they were raped by their on-screen husbands, and a third woman, Shona Manderson, accused her on-screen husband of a non-consensual sex act. The women said the show did not do enough to protect them.

The Accused Men

All three men deny the allegations, according to The Guardian. Lawyers for one of the accused men told the BBC he denies rape.

Government and Regulator

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has said all allegations must be referred to the appropriate authorities and investigated. Ofcom's chief executive, Melanie Dawes, said the allegations raised "really serious concerns" and that the regulator was willing to tighten guidance around reality shows if needed.

Former Contestant Tahnee Cook

Tahnee Cook, a former contestant on the Australian version of the show, told ABC Australia that she was "horrified but not surprised" by the allegations, and described the pressure to progress quickly in relationships, including through intimacy workshops and gifts of sex toys.