Ofcom Launches Investigation Into ‘Married At First Sight UK’

UK regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into under-fire Channel 4 series Married at First Sight UK.

The regulator’s group director of broadcast previously told British lawmakers Ofcom would examine an “advanced copy” of Channel 4’s review into welfare on the show and “urgently” consider “whether “any regulatory action is unnecessary.”

Ofcom has clearly decided the time for action is now having launched the probe. It did not give any more info today beyond saying the investigation has launched and is being categorized as a “Fairness and Privacy” investigation. Channel 4’s two welfare reviews have not yet been made public.

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.

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 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.