The Metropolitan Police have urged potential victims of sexual assault who appeared on the reality TV show Married at First Sight UK to contact them, following allegations of rape and sexual misconduct made by female contestants in a BBC Panorama documentary.
The programme, aired on Monday evening, featured accusations from women who took part in the Channel 4 show. Two unnamed women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands, while a third, Shona Manderson, accused her on-screen husband of taking things too far during sex. All men involved deny the claims.
A Met Police spokesperson said: 'We are aware of media reporting relating to allegations of rape and sexual assault following the airing of a television programme on Monday. At this time, we have not received any criminal reports in relation to this matter.' The force added that it would approach production teams to ensure anyone spoken to knows how to report allegations.
Former Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon described the allegations as 'very serious and concerning' and said launching an investigation was 'the right thing to do'. Channel 4 has removed all seasons of the show from its streaming platform and commissioned an external review of contributor welfare. The broadcaster stated it 'strongly refutes any claim' that it failed in its duty of care.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said all allegations must be referred to appropriate authorities, while lawyers for production company CPL described its welfare system as 'gold standard'. Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra said the broadcaster acted 'quickly, appropriately, sensitively' when concerns were raised.
