MAFS UK has continually been in the headlines this season – but most recently for the wrong reason.
Groom Alex Henry has caused such an outrage that a petition has been started to axe all of his scenes from the E4 / Channel 4 show due to claims of his domestic abuse against women.
Back in September The Sun reported how the show was under fire from Women’s Aid for casting Alex.
The 28-year-old had been accused of abuse by a friend of his former flame, with the groom being called a ‘domestic abuser‘ and a ‘dangerous individual’.
Since starting the petition more than 2,800 people have signed in solidarity with the women in question.
However, prior to the petition, people had already voiced their concerns on Instagram, with one fan saying: “@alexander.henry_ should never have been allowed on this show.”
“In situations where people are marrying each other at first sight, allowing a domestic abuser to join the show is not acceptable at all.”
Another said: “I have never seen such a clear and obvious example of a narcissist in my life,” while one commented: “He is full of attitude and aggression. Red flag city.”
The petition was started by Georgia, who admits to being a close friend of the woman she claims was abused by Alex. Since then it’s alleged other women have come forward with claims of their abuse by Alex.
In her comment she says: “He abused an individual who is close to me for multiple years during their relationship. He beat her black and blue, broke her bones, made her feel scared for her life and separated her from her family and friends.”
“He mentally abused her. He is a horrific individual who is violent. He is a narcissist and egotistical. He physically and emotionally abused my loved one for an extremely long time.”
“My loved one thankfully found the strength to leave the abusive situation but the trauma and impact of the physical and emotional abuse will now and forever haunt her and will remain due to all Alexander has done.”
Women’s Aid had previously voiced their concerns he was allowed to remain in the show, saying: “We are incredibly disappointed and concerned to hear that producers of Married at First Sight have taken the decision not to remove an alleged abuser from the latest series.”
“Having seen the direct impact of abusive behaviours displayed on the show in previous years on survivors, we would have hoped that protection and tolerance levels for abuse would leave no room for perpetrators to be given a platform again, with their actions being televised as “entertainment”.
Following their statement, Channel 4 said that all participants undergo a strict screening process, including a criminal record check and thorough psychological assessments, noting that he DBS check was clean.
It’s not the first time Alex has been embroiled in controversy.
The Birmingham-born Air Specialist married single mother-of-two Holly Ditchfield on the show.
But even before their wedding was aired, Alex was under military arrest for taking part in the show without prior permission.
Posted at RAF Spadeadam, he had allegedly asked his commander for extra leave last winter to take part in the series, but when his request was denied he went AWOL from his post to start filming.
He was arrested by military police when he returned and was sentenced to 34 days in a military prison serving 24 days.
