MAFS UK's Bradley Skelly breaks silence after ex Shona Manderson's 'sexual violation' claim in Panorama documentary
The UK's Security Minister has warned of a potential police investigationMAFS UK groom Bradley Skelly has broken his silence following Panorama’s damning documentary about the show.
Bradley was named in the BBC investigation, called Panorama: The Dark Side of Married At First Sight, when it aired last night.
Shona Manderson, who he was ‘married’ to on the Channel 4 show, made an accusation of ‘sexual misconduct’ against him.
While the series was still being filmed, she claimed a “boundary was crossed completely” in bed.
Bradley’s lawyers released a statement to the BBC, which was read out during the 30-minute episode of Panorama.
In it, the barber says he “categorically denies” any claims made.
Bradley now broken his silence on social media, having initially remained quiet.
It comes as the UK’s Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis, said he is “extremely concerned” by the allegations made in the documentary.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
He has also said it is “highly likely” the claims will become part of a police investigation.
MAFS UK’s Bradley Skelly breaks silence after Panorama
Last night, Shona alleged: “In bed [Bradley and I] were being intimate. Consensual, completely.
“We were having sex and a boundary was crossed completely. My partner came inside me without my consent.
“We had agreed we were pulling out. I was shocked, I was confused. We said that we weren’t doing that.”
Baroness Kennedy, Chair of Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, told Panorama she would view it as a “sexual violation”.
The couple were later removed from the show amid fears that Bradley was using “controlling” language towards Shona.
Bradley said on Panorama via is lawyers that “he understood Shona consented that night”. He also said he “categorically denies any allegations of sexual misconduct or that he was controlling”.
Bradley has now taken to Instagram and shared the Latin phrase ‘Amor Fati’. It means ‘love of fate’ or ‘love of one’s destiny’.
A more modern take on the phrase is ‘accepting reality without resentment’.
The ‘inspirational’ post, which Bradley did not write, adds: “When hardship arrives [the mind] tells itself ‘Amor Fati’.
“Not ‘why this’, but ‘what is this shaping in me. What is this trying to teach me?’.
“Fate becomes the sculptor, and you become willing clay.”
Bradley, who was working as a meditation coach when he was on MAFS UK, reposted it from an account claiming to be ‘The Largest Brotherhood of Stoics’.
Security Minister warns of ‘police investigation’ into MAFS UK
Shortly before Bradley shared his post on Instagram, Security Minister Dan Jarvis was asked his thoughts on last night’s Panorama.
In addition to Shona’s allegation, two unidentified MAFS UK brides claimed in the documentary that they were ‘raped’ by their on-screen husbands.
One, named as ‘Lizzie’ to protect her identity, said the man threatened to “throw acid” on her. The two grooms deny the serious allegations.
Mr Jarvis said he is “extremely concerned” about Panorama’s alleged findings.
“I think it’s highly likely that there will be a referral to the police and it will be a police matter for them to investigate,” he added.
Married At First Sight’s production company CPL said it “followed their welfare protocols and took concerns seriously”.
“CPL’s welfare system is gold standard and industry leading,” the company added.
Channel 4 said the three women who spoke to Panorama gave “repeated assurances they felt safe, happy and wanted to continue in the process”.
The broadcaster added that all the allegations made in the documentary are “wholly uncorroborated and disputed”.
Hours before Panorama: The Dark Side of Married At First Sight aired, Channel 4 confirmed an investigation into participant welfare is underway.
