The Metropolitan Police have urged potential victims of sexual assault on the reality TV show Married At First Sight UK (MAFS) to contact them, following allegations of rape and sexual misconduct made by female participants.
In a BBC Panorama documentary, Shona Manderson accused her on-screen partner Bradley Skelly of sexual misconduct. Two other women also alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are aware of the media reports but have not yet received any criminal reports. They will approach production teams to ensure victims know how to report allegations.
Ms Manderson claimed that during sex, her boundary was crossed when Skelly finished inside her without her consent. She later discovered she was pregnant. Skelly categorically denies any allegations of sexual misconduct or controlling behaviour. Channel 4 stated they were presented with serious allegations in April, which the contributors have denied.
Women’s Aid chief executive Farah Nazeer said the allegations were “disturbing and sobering” and called on producers to take their duty of care seriously. Culture, Media and Sport Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage described the show’s premise as “horrifying”. Channel 4 has removed all previous seasons from its streaming platforms and commissioned an external review into contributor welfare.
