Channel 4's chief executive, Priya Dogra, has apologised for the distress caused to female participants on Married at First Sight (MAFS) UK who have made allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. Speaking at the broadcaster's annual report, Dogra said she believed the channel had acted appropriately at the time but had commissioned an external review to ensure participant safety.
The apology follows a BBC Panorama programme in which two women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands, and a third, Shona Manderson, accused her husband of a non-consensual sex act. All men deny the claims. The Metropolitan Police has reiterated its appeal for anyone with allegations to come forward, stating it is ready to investigate.
Dogra said: '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 added that Channel 4 cannot investigate the specific allegations but that welfare across all programmes is a primary concern.
Ian Katz, Channel 4's chief content officer, expressed confidence that the right decisions were made at the time based on available knowledge. However, he acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and the need to review procedures for future productions.
MPs on the Commons culture select committee have written to Channel 4 and Ofcom demanding answers. Committee chair Caroline Dinenage described the allegations as 'horrifying' and raised concerns about participant protection in reality television.
