Alleged rapes on Married at First Sight UK must be investigated, says Department for Culture

"All allegations must be referred to the appropriate authorities and investigated with the full cooperation of those involved, with action taken to ensure that the highest standards are upheld and there are consequences for criminality or wrongdoing."

"One woman reportedly told BBC Panorama that her onscreen husband had raped her and threatened her with an acid attack, while a second said she had been raped by her onscreen husband and had told Channel 4 and CPL before broadcast, but that her episodes were still aired. A third woman had accused her onscreen husband of sexual misconduct, the BBC said."

"Channel 4 has removed all previous seasons of Married At First Sight UK (MAFS UK) from its streaming platforms, after what it said were very serious allegations. The broadcaster also announced that in April it had commissioned an external review into contributor welfare."

"In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied, Channel 4 said in a statement on Monday. The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations."

Two women reported rape during filming of Married at First Sight UK, and a third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act. The show matches single people, who marry strangers after meeting for the first time on their mock wedding day. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said all allegations must be referred to appropriate authorities and investigated with full cooperation, with action to uphold the highest standards and impose consequences for criminality or wrongdoing. Channel 4 removed previous seasons from streaming platforms after very serious allegations. Channel 4 commissioned an external review into contributor welfare and said it cannot disclose details while maintaining privacy and duty of care.

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