LONDON (AP) — A British television network has removed every episode of the UK version of a popular reality dating program from all its platforms following sexual assault allegations made by three female participants against their matched partners.
The network described the accusations as “very serious,” while British government officials stated Tuesday that there must be “consequences for criminality or wrongdoing.”
The reality program is part of a global television franchise that originated in Denmark, with versions airing in numerous countries including the United States, Australia and South Africa. The show pairs strangers through expert matchmaking, with participants moving in together following staged wedding ceremonies.
According to the allegations, two female participants from the British version say they were raped by their television husbands, while a third woman claims she experienced a nonconsensual sexual encounter.
These accusations emerged during an investigation conducted by a BBC investigative news program called “Panorama.” The BBC reported that none of the accusers have filed police reports, and the accused men deny all allegations.
A Conservative lawmaker who chairs the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee told the BBC that the program clearly contains “an element of risk.”
“It’s a TV show that almost expects and anticipates people that have only just met will have to become really quite intimate with each other,” she told the BBC. “They’re expected to share a bed and a life together within minutes of meeting. It almost feels like an accident waiting to happen.”
An independent production company creates the British version of the show. The program has aired for 10 seasons, with an 11th season planned for broadcast this year. The production company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The broadcaster stated that the show operates under “some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry,” which include background screenings, behavioral conduct standards and “daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team.”
Network officials have initiated a comprehensive review of their welfare standards and procedures.
“I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in ‘Married at First Sight UK,’” the network’s chief executive said. “The well-being of our contributors is always of paramount importance.”
These allegations represent the most recent incident fueling ongoing discussions in Britain regarding reality television ethics and the psychological pressures faced by show participants. Previous controversies include the deaths by suicide of two former contestants from another reality dating show in 2018 and 2019, as well as the suicide of that program’s former host in 2020.
