Channel 4 has confirmed the removal of all series of Married At First Sight (MAFS) UK from its streaming and linear services following what it describes as 'very serious allegations of wrongdoing'. The decision comes after two individuals involved in the programme told BBC Panorama that they were raped during production.
Allegations and Denials
The BBC Panorama documentary, scheduled to air on Monday, May 18, reports that two women said they were raped during filming of the show, while a third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act. According to reports, all allegations have been denied by those accused.
Channel 4's Response
In a lengthy statement published on its website, Channel 4 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 broadcaster emphasized that the physical and psychological wellbeing of all contributors is of paramount importance, and that all duty of care processes are regularly reviewed and strengthened where appropriate.
Channel 4 revealed that in April it was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that those contributors have denied. The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors and cannot disclose details of those allegations.
The broadcaster stated that it believes prompt and appropriate action was taken when concerns were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, based on the information available at the time. Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary.
External Review Launched
Channel 4's recently-appointed CEO, Priya Dogra, instructed an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK last month. The review has two elements: the first, conducted by law firm Clyde & Co, is examining the welfare protocols in place at the time claims were raised, as well as the handling by Channel 4 and production company CPL of those claims. The second element involves an external industry expert, former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey, who will examine if any changes should be made to current protocols to further strengthen contributor welfare.
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 considering the seriousness of the allegations 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, alongside the show's social channels.
Statement from CEO Priya Dogra
Ms Dogra 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.' She added that it would be wholly inappropriate to comment on serious allegations made against some contributors, which she understands are disputed by those accused.
On claims of failure in duty of care, she stated: '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.'
