Channel 4's chief executive, Priya Dogra, has expressed deep regret after contestants on Married At First Sight UK made allegations of rape and sexual assault. The accusations were detailed in a BBC Panorama documentary, with Shona Manderson alleging sexual misconduct by her on-screen partner, and two other women anonymously claiming they were raped by their on-screen husbands.
Speaking at a briefing for the broadcaster's annual report, Dogra said a review into contributor welfare is underway and will conclude in late summer. She stated, 'I have watched the programme and heard the women’s accounts which are very troubling. Their distress is clear, and for that I am, of course, deeply sorry.' She emphasised that Channel 4 cannot investigate specific allegations against the men, who have denied them, and that such matters are for other bodies, including the police.
Ian Katz, Channel 4's chief content officer, defended the channel's response at the time, saying he was 'very confident' that correct decisions were made based on knowledge available then. He acknowledged that a 'second look' is appropriate to improve welfare, noting that contestant safety is 'at the absolute centre' of commissioning. Katz will step down in October after nine years.
Dogra dismissed reports the show had been cancelled as 'wholly inaccurate', stating no decision has been made on the next series. New episodes have been 'substantially filmed' and are being edited. Meanwhile, MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee have written to Channel 4 and Ofcom, calling the allegations 'horrifying' and seeking details on complaints processes and duty of care. Police have urged potential victims to come forward.
