UK regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into under-fire Channel 4 series Married at First Sight UK.
Ofcom did not give any more info today beyond saying the investigation has launched and is being categorized under “Fairness and Privacy” after receiving complaints. An Ofcom spokeswoman said: “We are investigating a Fairness and Privacy complaint about Married At First Sight UK.”
The regulator’s group director of broadcast previously told British lawmakers Ofcom would examine an “advance copy” of Channel 4’s review into welfare on the show and “urgently” consider “whether “any regulatory action is necessary.” Channel 4’s two welfare reviews into the show have not yet completed.
Married at First Sight UK was hit by multiple rape allegations several weeks back and one contestant has been arrested on suspicion of rape. A BBC News investigation found two women alleged they were raped by partners they met on the hit show, while a third claimed she experienced a non-consensual sex act. Ofcom’s Cristina Nicolotti Squires previously told MPs the allegations are “deeply disturbing.”
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In May, Channel 4 opened two investigations, one overseen by a law firm and the other by former BBC One chief Lorraine Heggessey, while removing all MAFS episodes from its streaming service. Lawyers for MAFS UK producer CPL Productions told BBC News they disputed elements of the claims at the time.
Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra apologized in late May to the women who made “very troubling” rape allegations.
MAFS UK is one of Channel 4’s biggest hits and has been airing for more than a decade. The show sees contestants meet at the altar for the first time before heading out on honeymoon and subsequently deciding whether they want to remain together.
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