Channel 4 cancels UK 'Married At First Sight' after rape allegations

Channel 4 announced the cancellation of the UK edition of the reality series 'Married At First Sight' after a Panorama documentary aired allegations of sexual assault by participants' on-screen partners. The investigation featured two women who said they were raped by their televised spouses, with one also reporting a threat of an acid attack. A third contestant accused her partner of sexual misconduct.

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man was arrested in connection with the allegations but released on bail pending further investigation. The accused men have denied the claims.

Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra said the programme’s budget would be reallocated to new content and expressed regret to the women for the distress they experienced.

An external review commissioned by Channel 4 found that the production company CLP had safeguarding procedures that met Ofcom’s requirements but fell short in practice. Ofcom has opened its own investigation into the series.