Channel 4 pulls Married at First Sight after BBC rape allegations
On Monday, Channel 4, a UK broadcaster, took down all previous seasons of Married at First Sight after the BBC reported on allegations of rape during its filming. Two women reported being raped, while a third recounted a non-consensual sexual encounter, all claiming the show did not ensure their safety. In April, Channel 4 initiated a review of contributor welfare following serious allegations involving a few former participants, which those individuals have denied. The show is produced by CPL, an independent company, whose legal representatives described its welfare practices as 'gold standard' and asserted that appropriate actions were taken. In 2024, Married at First Sight was the most popular show on Channel 4’s streaming service, having aired 10 seasons on E4 and its platform.
Key facts
- Channel 4 removed all previous seasons of Married at First Sight on Monday.
- Two women told the BBC they were raped during filming of the show.
- A third woman described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act.
- All three said the show did not do enough to protect them.
- Channel 4 launched a review into contributor welfare in April.
- The show is produced by independent production company CPL.
- CPL lawyers said its welfare system was 'gold standard' and it acted appropriately.
- Married at First Sight topped Channel 4's streaming charts in 2024.
Entities
Institutions
- Channel 4
- BBC
- CPL
- E4
- CPL Productions
- All4
- Panorama
- Women's Aid
- Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
- Ofcom
- Tui
- Culture, Media and Sport Committee
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Culture Media and Sport Committee
Locations
- United Kingdom
- Grimsby