UK’s Channel 4 pulls ‘Married at First Sight’ after BBC report
British broadcaster Channel 4 removed all previous seasons of “Married at First Sight” on Monday following a BBC report detailing allegations of rape during the show’s filming.
Channel 4, established in the 1980s and publicly owned but commercially funded, announced it had initiated a review into contributor welfare for the series produced by independent company CPL in April.
BBC News reported that two women alleged they were raped while filming the show, with a third describing an allegation of non-consensual sex. They stated the show failed to adequately protect them, according to the report.
CPL’s lawyers claimed their welfare system was “gold standard” and that they acted appropriately in all cases.
Channel 4 said it received “serious allegations” of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors in April, which the contributors have denied. The network stated that the show topped its streaming charts in 2024 with ten seasons broadcast on E4 and its platform.
The international franchise includes countries such as the United States and Australia.
Channel 4’s CEO Priya Dogra said it would be inappropriate to comment on allegations against some MAFS UK contributors, which are not something Channel 4 can adjudicate. She stated that the network takes these issues seriously and is committed to leading in duty of care for contributors.
The review examines welfare protocols in place during claims were raised and how Channel 4 and CPL handled those claims. Ofcom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.