Married at First Sight U.K. is facing a major scandal after two former contestants alleged they were raped by their husbands while filming the reality series, according to a new BBC report.
A third woman also claimed she experienced a non-consensual sex act during her time on the show.
Channel 4, which airs the U.K. version of the reality dating series, has reportedly pulled all previous seasons from streaming services following the allegations.
One woman claimed her husband raped her and threatened her with acid, according to the BBC. She is now reportedly pursuing legal action against CPL, the independent production company behind the show.
“I just completely froze with fear and I never, ever thought anything could scare me that much,” the woman, who has not been publicly identified, told the outlet.
According to the BBC, all three women eventually raised their allegations with CPL. The production company said it followed appropriate welfare protocols in each case, but the women disagree and claim they were not properly protected by the show.
Channel 4 responded by saying it launched an external review in April after being presented with serious allegations involving a small number of past contributors. The network said it understands those contributors have denied the allegations.
“The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations,” Channel 4 said in a statement.
The review is still underway and is expected to look at two major areas. One part, led by law firm Clyde & Co, will examine the welfare protocols in place when the allegations were raised, as well as how Channel 4 and CPL handled the complaints.
Channel 4 said it expects the review to report in the coming months and plans to share a summary of findings and recommendations when appropriate.
Priya Dogra, Channel 4’s chief executive, said she felt sympathy for contributors who were distressed after appearing on the show.
“The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance,” Dogra said.
She also said she had been informed that the men accused deny the allegations. Dogra added that she believes Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, and sensitively after concerns were raised, with wellbeing at the center of its response.
Married at First Sight U.K. follows single people who are matched by relationship experts and meet for the first time at the altar. After marrying as strangers, the couples go on a honeymoon, move in together, and eventually decide whether to stay married or separate.
What an insipid concept for a tv show. What a perversion of the sanctity of the covenant of marriage! Play stupid games, ya win stupid prizes