Married at First Sight: Three complaints of sexual abuse by TV reality show contestants in Britain

©Luis Tosta via Unsplash

Three complaints have been filed in Britain about sexual abuse by men who took part in the TV reality show "Married at First Sight" on British Channel 4, British media report. The complaints relate to behavior by the male contestants off camera and are said to have been filed with relevant authorities.

In the TV show "Married at First Sight," singles are matched based on scientific advice and marry their match immediately, without knowing each other. The popular format has enjoyed worldwide attention for years and has many local versions. However, the program is now facing heavy criticism due to the nature of allegations in Britain.

According to initial reports, it involves three separate reports of sexual abuse. The nature and timing of the alleged acts are not yet fully clear. It is also not yet known whether a formal investigation is already underway or whether the allegations are still under investigation. The men involved have not yet responded publicly.

According to the three women who testified, the Channel did too little to protect them. Channel 4 chose to broadcast everything, even though the station knew about some of the sexual abuse allegations. "I don't think they care about anyone or anything that happens in the program," one of the victims told Panorama.

The case is causing unrest with regards to the program worldwide and once again raises questions about the selection and follow-up of reality TV show's contestants. Indeed, production houses are more often criticized over how they handle transgressive behavior, both during and after filming.

Priya Dogra, the head of Channel 4, which airs the program, spoke to the press this week. In a written statement, she responded to an episode of the BBC investigative program "Panorama" in which three "Married at first sight" contestants talk about being sexually abused by their TV spouse. "I've seen the women's stories on Panorama, and they hurt us all," began Dogra, who only took over as the head of the in March. "I have enormous sympathy for them."

The Channel 4 head says the welfare of all employees is of paramount importance to the channel. On the allegations themselves, "which the men deny," she did not say anything, "as we have a duty of care to ALL our staff." On the BBC 's assertion that the Channel was not doing enough for the candidates, she said: "I don't believe that was the case. Based on what we knew at the time, we responded correctly, quickly and with sensitivity."

©Luis Tosta via Unsplash - illustration image of a wedding ceremony