Lead

Channel 4 has pulled all previous seasons of Married at First Sight UK from its streaming platform after allegations of rape and sexual assault during filming came to light. The broadcaster has launched a review into contributor welfare on the show, which is produced by independent production company CPL.

BBC News reported that two women told the news service they were raped during filming of the show, while a third described an alleged non-consensual sex act. All three said the show did not do enough to protect them, according to the report.

Channel 4 said in April it was presented with "serious allegations" of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations "we understand those contributors have denied."

Coverage Comparison

ABC Australia reported that Channel 4 removed all previous seasons of Married at First Sight UK from its streaming platform after allegations of rape and sexual assault. The outlet also noted that Channel 4 said it is taking the issue "very seriously" and is conducting a review of welfare protocols in place on the series at the time of the claims.

The Guardian reported that former crew members described a "toxic" culture on the show, with an emphasis on sex and intimacy. The outlet also noted that Channel 4 has launched two investigations into the show — one focused on its handling of complaints and another looking at whether welfare protocols should be changed.

South China Morning Post also reported the removal of all previous seasons from the streaming platform, citing the allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Key Claims

  • Two women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands during the filming of Married at First Sight UK.
  • A third woman described an alleged non-consensual sex act during filming.
  • All previous seasons of Married at First Sight UK have been removed from Channel 4's streaming platform.
  • Channel 4 has launched an external review into contributor welfare on the show.
  • Lawyers for CPL said its welfare system was "gold standard" and it had acted appropriately in all cases.
  • Former crew members described a "toxic" culture on the show, with an emphasis on sex and intimacy.
  • Channel 4 has launched two investigations — one into its handling of complaints and another into whether welfare protocols should be changed.

Perspectives

Lord Michael Grade — The former Channel 4 chief said he would never have let the program begin, arguing that some reality TV formats have become increasingly exploitative and pose unacceptable risks to contestants' wellbeing.

Psychologist Jo Hemmings — She said duty of care standards are exceptionally high, but reality shows have to keep upping the conflict and drama to keep attracting big audiences, and the more boundaries are pushed, the more incidents might happen.

CPL (production company) — Through its lawyers, CPL said its welfare system was "gold standard" and it had acted appropriately in all cases.

Channel 4 — The broadcaster said it is taking the issue "very seriously" and is conducting a review of welfare protocols in place on the series at the time of the claims.