Media watchdog Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into Channel 4's Married At First Sight UK (MAFS), following an unspecified complaint about the popular reality series.
Background of Allegations
The inquiry follows allegations made by two women of rape and a third of sexual misconduct against their on-screen partners, which were featured in a BBC Panorama documentary broadcast in May. All three men have denied the accusations, reports the Irish Mirror.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: "We are investigating a fairness and privacy complaint about Married At First Sight UK."
It is thought the complaint stems from an individual or organisation who featured in the programme. The Press Association also understands that the regulator has examined a separate complaint of unjust or unfair treatment on MAFS.
Arrest and Police Investigation
A cast member from MAFS UK was arrested on suspicion of rape in June. The Metropolitan Police told the BBC following the arrest: "This relates to an ongoing investigation, being led by the Met Police. He has since been bailed while inquiries remain ongoing." Neither the arrested man nor the alleged victim can be identified for legal reasons.
Regulatory and Broadcast Response
In the wake of the Panorama documentary, Ofcom chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes stated that the allegations raised "really serious concerns", adding that the regulator was prepared to strengthen its guidance surrounding reality TV productions if considered necessary.
Channel 4 launched a review into contributor welfare in April, shortly after being approached by the BBC regarding the accusations featured in Panorama. The broadcaster's chief executive Priya Dogra has insisted reports suggesting the programme had been axed were "wholly inaccurate" and "no decision has been made" about whether the next series will air.
Parliamentary Scrutiny
MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee have written to both Channel 4 and Ofcom regarding their handling of claims made in the BBC documentary. Committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage described the accusations as "horrifying", stating: "Both Channel 4 and Ofcom, as the broadcasting regulator, have urgent questions to answer."
The letter to Channel 4 requests details about its complaints procedures for programme participants, what steps were taken to ensure the allegations were rigorously investigated, as well as information concerning the review the broadcaster has announced. It further questions the broadcaster's duty of care obligations towards participants across its other reality television output.
Programme Impact and Future
Billed as a "bold social experiment", MAFS sees unattached individuals agree to "marry" complete strangers, having been introduced for the very first time at their mock ceremonies. The British version of the reality series, now in its 10th season, is amongst Channel 4's most-watched programmes, consistently drawing audiences of more than three million viewers. Yet in May, the broadcaster withdrew all episodes of the programme from its streaming service just hours before the Panorama investigation was due to air.
Channel 4 has still to make a decision on whether to broadcast the most recent series of the show, which has already been filmed. Police have appealed to potential victims of sexual assault connected to the TV programme to come forward.
