MAFS UK slapped with over 860 Ofcom complaints as 'alleged bullying' sparks backlash
Married at First Sight UK has been hit with over 860 Ofcom complaints with majority of reports relating to "alleged aggressive and bullying behaviour".
Following an episode which aired on October 21, the watchdog regulator received 249 complaints objected to comments made by bride Richelle to husband Orson during the commitment ceremony, and alleged bullying behaviour from various participants in the programme. These complaints are in addition to those in last week’s report, with the total complaints about this episode now at 340.
At the time, viewers condemned Richelle for her "bullying" and "vile" behaviour towards her husband. The 48-year-old unleashed her harsh views about Orson, 41, for the last time during the commitment ceremony.
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News emerged that Orson and Stephen's wife Hannah had kissed during the couple's retreat - and all hell broke loose. Orson admitted: "On the last night of the retreat me and Hannah were speaking and we shared a kiss. There was a little connection there. I'm not going to lie.
"What I had was done, I knew what she was in was done, so honestly I didn't feel like I was walking on anybody's toes or disrespecting anyone."
The mum-of-one poked: "He saw an opportunity with Hannah to recouple and stay in the process. He jumped at it. You're an embarrassment to yourself at this point. Before I came into this process I asked for a strong, intelligent man who has a bit of integrity, and I haven't found that in Orson at all. I find him quite weak-willed, you really aren't as sharp as you think you are.
"It's pretty obvious I think to most people that you're a bit simple. He definitely lacks any shred of integrity. So, one week too late, but it's obvious - leave." Orson responded: "I feel like I was trying and trying and trying. It was just like squeezing blood from a stone. Just get me out of here please."
Also, 217 viewers complained about the October 23 episode where the majority of reports objected related to alleged aggressive and bullying behaviour by Alex. Also, Alex's alleged behaviour also sparked 315 complaints from an episode which aired the following day on October 24 totalling to 862 complaints from October 22 to October 28.
MAFS UK wasn't the only programme rubbing viewers up the wrong way this week. Big Brother also received 552 complaints related to an item of clothing worn by a housemate, alleged misogynistic and bullying behaviour from certain housemates.
Married at First Sight UK airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 9pm
