Married at First Sight UK cancelled after BBC revealed rape allegations
Channel 4 has cancelled the reality show 'Married at First Sight UK' following a BBC investigation that uncovered serious rape and sexual misconduct allegations against cast members. The broadcaster apologized to the victims and announced a shift in programming strategy.
Why it matters
The cancellation highlights the growing accountability for production companies regarding the safety and welfare of participants in reality television.
Married at First Sight UK will not return, Channel 4 has said, following a BBC investigation into the hit reality TV show.
The Channel 4 show was plunged into crisis earlier this year, after Panorama revealed rape allegations from two female cast members on the show , while a third woman alleged a non-consensual sex act. The men involved have denied all the allegations against them.
A review was commissioned by Channel 4 shortly after the BBC first contacted the broadcaster, with details of the allegations we had heard.
On Thursday, the completed review recommended extra safeguards on the show. But Channel 4 said the programme had "run its course" and apologised to the women involved in the investigation.
The broadcaster's chief executive Priya Dogra said she was "very sorry for the distress those women have clearly felt", adding that the show's budget would be reinvested in "distinctive new programming".
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Married at First Sight UK cancelled after BBC revealed rape allegations
Channel 4 Cancels 'Married At First Sight UK' After Rape Allegations
Married at First Sight UK axed after welfare review
'Married at First Sight' U.K. Axed After Sexual Assault Allegations
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