Police appeal after MAFS UK rape allegations

British police have urged potential victims of sexual assault on the reality TV show Married at First Sight UK to contact them, after women made allegations of rape and sexual misconduct.

The appeal comes after a BBC Panorama documentary in which Shona Manderson made an allegation of sexual misconduct against her on-screen partner while on the Channel 4 show, and two other women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of media reporting relating to allegations of rape and sexual assault following the airing of a television programme on Monday, May 18.

"At this time, we have not received any criminal reports in relation to this matter. We will be making approaches to the relevant production teams to ensure that anyone they have spoken to is aware of how to report any criminal allegations to police.

"We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, to get in touch with us."

The show, which is produced for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL, sees single people matched by experts and then 'marry', with couples meeting for the first time on their wedding day.

The 'marriages' on the show are not legally binding, but the couples go on a 'honeymoon' and move in together after their weddings.

In a statement to the programme, Ms Manderson's on-screen partner, Bradley Skelly, said he categorically denies "any allegations of sexual misconduct, or that he was controlling".

Channel 4 said in a statement released on Monday: "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."

MPs write to Channel 4 over "the horrifying allegations"

British MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee have written to Channel 4 and Ofcom about their response to allegations of rape and sexual assault on Married At First Sight UK.

Chairwoman of the CMS Committee, Caroline Dinenage, said: "The horrifying allegations about Married At First Sight raise serious concerns over whether enough is being done to protect people taking part in reality television.

"Both Channel 4 and Ofcom, as the broadcasting regulator, have urgent questions to answer."

A letter to Channel 4 asks about its complaints process for contestants on the programme and the steps taken to ensure the allegations were fully investigated, along with the review announced by the broadcaster.

It also questions the broadcaster about its approach to duty of care to participants on its other reality TV programmes.

A CMS Committee message to Ofcom asks it about the role of the broadcasting regulator in the complaints process, its powers to investigate potential breaches of the broadcasting code, and the timeline for launching its own investigation into the Married At First Sight allegations.

Channel 4 has removed all previous seasons of Married at First Sight UK from its streaming and linear platforms following the allegations in the Panorama investigation.

Source: Press Association

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