Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra has apologised for the distress caused to female participants who have alleged rape and sexual misconduct on the reality show Married at First Sight UK. Speaking at the broadcaster's annual report, Dogra said she was 'deeply sorry' for the women's accounts, which she described as 'very troubling'.
Dogra defended the broadcaster's handling of concerns raised at the time, but confirmed she had commissioned an external review to ensure participant safety. MPs on the Commons culture select committee have written to Channel 4 and Ofcom demanding answers over what they called 'horrifying allegations'.
The allegations emerged in a BBC Panorama programme, where two women claimed they were raped by their on-screen husbands, and a third, Shona Manderson, accused her partner of a non-consensual sex act. All three men deny the claims.
The Metropolitan Police has reiterated its appeal for anyone with allegations of abuse on the show to come forward. Assistant commissioner Matt Twist said: 'We are ready to listen to them. We are ready to investigate.' The force is already in contact with Channel 4 and production company CPL.
Dogra said she believed the channel acted appropriately but wanted a 'second look' given she took up her role in March. Ian Katz, chief content officer, said: 'I am very confident that, based on the knowledge we had at the time, we made the right decisions.' Former CEO Alex Mahon previously described the rape allegations as 'very serious and concerning'.
