DCMS on MAFS UK claims: There must be consequences for criminality or wrongdoing

By Laura Harding and Ted Hennessey, Press Association

There must be “consequences for criminality or wrongdoing”, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said, after two women who appeared on Married At First Sight UK (MAFS UK) alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands.

A third participant detailed allegations of a non-consensual sex act.

Channel 4 has removed all previous seasons of the show from its streaming platforms after “very serious allegations” were made following an 18-month BBC Panorama investigation.

Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time

The show, which is produced for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL, sees single people matched by experts and then “marry” strangers, who they meet for the first time on their wedding day.

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport told the BBC: “All allegations must be referred to the appropriate authorities and investigated with the full co-operation of those involved, with action taken to ensure that the highest standards are upheld and there are consequences for criminality or wrongdoing.”

Shortly before the Panorama episode aired, Channel 4 announced that it commissioned an external review into contributor welfare last month.

“In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied,” a statement from the broadcaster said.

“The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations.

“Related to those allegations, Channel 4 was asked to respond to claims of failures in welfare protocols.

“Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time.

“Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary.”

The “marriages” on the show are not legally binding but the couples go on “honeymoon” and move in together after their weddings.

One woman told BBC Panorama that her onscreen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack.

A second said that she told both Channel 4 and CPL, before broadcast, about being allegedly raped by her onscreen husband, but that her episodes were still aired.

A third woman accused her onscreen husband of sexual misconduct.

The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance

None of the women the BBC has spoken to has reported their allegations to the police, it was reported.

Lawyers for CPL reportedly told the BBC that its welfare system is “gold standard” and that it acted appropriately.

Priya Dogra, chief executive of Channel 4, 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.

“It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors.

“Those allegations – which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused – are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on.

“We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved.

“On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, 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.”

Channel 4 said that MAFS UK is produced under “some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry”, including background checks, a code of conduct setting out behavioural standards and “daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team”.

The broadcaster said the two-part review will consist of law firm Clyde & Co investigating welfare protocols and handling of the claims, while former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey will lead an examination of current contributor welfare measures.

It expects the review to report in the coming months and will share a summary of findings and recommendations.

CPL has been approached for comment.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.