Warning: This article contains discussion of rape which some readers may find distressing.
An unidentified cast member from Married at First Sight UK has been taken into custody on suspicion of rape, following allegations brought to light by a BBC Panorama investigation conducted earlier this year.
In May, reports surfaced regarding rape accusations when two female participants of the show came forward with allegations of rape, and a third woman claimed that a non-consensual sexual act had occurred.
The accused men denied the allegations when they were initially brought to light.
As of today (July 2), BBC News has revealed that a member of the show has been detained by authorities.
According to a statement given to the publisher by the Metropolitan Police: “This relates to an ongoing investigation, being led by the Met Police. He has since been bailed while enquiries remain ongoing.”
Channel 4 has initiated a review concerning contributor welfare on the reality television series, which involves participants meeting for the first time at their wedding ceremony before engaging in the process of getting acquainted with one another.
Back in May, when the assault allegations first came to light, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police indicated that no criminal reports had been filed regarding the situation. However, they informed BBC News: “We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, to get in touch with us.”
The Met also mentioned reaching out to production teams associated with Married at First Sight UK to ‘ensure anyone they have spoken to is aware of how to report any criminal allegations’.
More details will be provided as they become available.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out to The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Alternatively, you can chat online at online.rainn.org.