According to the BBC, Channel 4’s Married at First Sight UK has pulled all ten seasons of its show from its on-demand streaming platforms and from linear broadcasting loops after multiple previous contestants came forward with rape and non-consensual sex allegations during a Panorama episode titled, “The Dark Side of Married at First Sight.” Channel 4 maintains that all of the allegations against them are wholly uncorroborated and disputed.
Two women who were previous contestants have come forward, stating that they were allegedly raped during the production and honeymoon phase of the show. A third contestant has also come forward. Sources identify her as the 2023 contestant Shona Manderson (Untold, Panorama), who claims she was the alleged victim of a non-consensual sexual act at the hands of her on-screen husband, Bradley Skelly.
According to Cosmopolitan, Manderson and Skelly’s relationship was quickly deemed to be unhealthy, and the couple was removed from the set after only two weeks, separating six weeks later. Manderson alleges that while initially the sexual act was consensual, Kelly crossed the prior agreed-upon line by releasing inside of her rather than pulling out. She also claims that she was taken to get a morning-after pill by the welfare producer on the set. More details can be found in the video below.
According to Deadline, all of the men who are accused have denied the accusations. These allegations go as far as claiming that one of the on-screen partners allegedly raped her and allegedly threatened her with an acid attack. While another woman also aimed at the studio, claiming she told the producers about her alleged sexual assault, and they still aired the episode anyway.
In another article by Cosmopolitan, it’s revealed that Skelly released a statement claiming that he believed Shonda had given him consent for all acts. His lawyers released a statement claiming, “Bradley Skelly says he understood Shona had consented that night. He categorically denies any allegations of sexual misconduct or that he was controlling. He says their relationship was based on mutual consent, care, and affection“. Skelly also posted a cryptic message to his social media that has since expired, leading many fans to believe it has to do with the accusations. The post read, “God’s selection comes with a price tag. Loneliness in crowded rooms. Betrayal from those closest to you. Seasons where your calling makes no financial sense. Years of being underestimated while you’re being prepared. People leaving because your growth threatens them. Constant warfare between your flesh and your spirit. And somehow, through all of it, you becoming unshakeable. That’s what chosen looks like.”
It’s currently unclear what the future of Married at First Sight UK, Channel 4’s highest-grossing show, will be.