At least six former contestants of Married at First Sight UK are reportedly planning to sue production company CPL Productions over welfare failures on the Channel 4 show. The legal action follows a BBC Panorama investigation that aired serious allegations and the recent arrest of a contestant on suspicion of rape.
Legal action and floodgates
A group of former cast members has engaged a media lawyer to take action against CPL Productions, which produces the matchmaking series. According to The Sun, more former contributors are expected to join the lawsuit. A source told the publication: 'The claims on Panorama opened the floodgates and now a number of former MAFS cast members intend to take action against CPL for what they see as a severe lapse in participant care.'
Panorama investigation and fallout
The BBC Panorama documentary, aired in May, featured allegations from three former contestants. Two alleged they were raped by men they met through the show, while a third claimed she was subjected to a non-consensual sexual act. The men involved have denied the allegations. Following the broadcast, the Metropolitan Police made a public appeal for anyone who believed they had experienced sexual assault while participating in the show to come forward.
Channel 4 response and show changes
Channel 4 pulled Married at First Sight from its streaming service after the Panorama allegations. The broadcaster has also shelved plans for an all-stars spin-off titled Married At Second Sight, which was due to start filming this month. Additionally, Channel 4 has reportedly hired an editor from Netflix's UK version of Love is Blind to oversee 'extensive' edits of the series, which has finished filming but does not yet have a release date.
Arrest and ongoing investigation
A contestant from the show was arrested on suspicion of rape last week. The individual cannot be identified for legal reasons. They have been bailed while enquiries continue, according to the Metropolitan Police. The alleged victim is also anonymous under UK law, which grants lifelong anonymity to anyone reporting an alleged rape.
Metro has contacted CPL and Channel 4 for comment on the planned legal action. Married at First Sight UK series 11 has been filmed, but there is currently no Channel 4 release date.
