The reality television series "Married at First Sight UK" will not return for future seasons after allegations of rape and sexual misconduct surfaced against contestants during production. Channel 4 announced the cancellation on Thursday, following an external review prompted by the claims.
Two women alleged they were raped by their husbands during the show's filming, and a third woman accused her husband of sexual misconduct. One of the accusers also reported that her husband had threatened to throw acid at her. The allegations were initially reported by the BBC in May.
Priya Dogra, CEO of Channel 4, issued a statement apologizing to the victims. "I am very sorry for the distress those women have clearly felt," Dogra said. "I hope our actions — in swiftly commissioning the review and taking clear, decisive steps — demonstrate our commitment to the wellbeing of all contributors and our desire to relentlessly strengthen industry standards."
The external review, according to Dogra, did not have the authority to adjudicate the specific allegations. While the review found no evidence that the show's format was inherently unsafe, Channel 4 decided the series "has now run its course over 10 years."
The accused individuals have denied the allegations. One of the men was arrested in June on suspicion of rape, according to the BBC. Reports suggest the women felt that the network did not have sufficient protective measures in place.
"Married at First Sight UK," which followed singles marrying strangers matched by experts, first aired in July 2015. The marriages on the show are not legally binding. The series was a UK adaptation of the U.S. version, which premiered in 2014.