And just like that... MAFS is over

[mumofoneAloneandwell]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8pz1k4r2lo

It was coming. You dont get good reality TV without people suffering.

This news however is awful. Bloody awful.

It would be nice if rape allegations would be taken as seriously as discussions over a fucking blindfold.

I agree. Apologies for the derail.

Followed by it’s already too sanitised. I mean once they really sanitise it so they cant get raped what is even the point? 🤢

The original MAFS was great - a few couples getting married and genuinely trying - or not! Brilliant tv - then it copied the Australian model and turned into an exploitative over produced nightmare cast with terrible people chosen for their personality disorders. Of course this was the result.

I agree with this. They know there is an endless supply (encouraged by them) of not too bright/narcissistic/desperate for a leg up into a TV career/mentally unwell people who are queuing up to be expoited on reality TV. Its cheap telly when Eastenders costs over £1m an episode to make. God knows how much proper drama takes to make, plus the money being spread too thinly between too many providers. This thread shows why they do it. Its a win/win for them because so many people watch it and it costs peanuts compared to paying 100s of actors/writers and set designers/crew and putting on a drama.

I thought this too - did have an element of 'glass houses' about it. "Thank God it's not us for once!"

Omg I had never heard of this. That's chillingly prescient

Google 'Lady Justice' No idea what that is.

Yeah. It was the BBC saying look look it's not just us!

Time for all 'reality' shows to end. They're all utter bullshit and just feed the inane internet age of low quality cheap crap. Then the 'stars' of these shows end up making millions from being on further reality shows or presenting jobs. Reality shows, 'talent' shows, and ant and dec, bin them all.

Haven't been on socials so far today, but can't say I'm surprised...

Did you misread my post or are you being deliberately obtuse?
He threatened to 'leave'... that is what I am referring to.
Him leaving is a good thing not raping her or throwing acid at her.
The only reason that wouldn't be a good thing is if she wanted him to stay, or more likely wanted him to stay so she could keep hold of her airtime.

It would've been better for them to state the names of the men, rather than allow speculation about innocent men, imo.

Agree. I suspect the women concerned wanted to preserve anonymity, but it's going to be rough on any men who end up being wrongly accused.

Can completely see why they need to keep the women anonymous - its a bit of a catch 22 isnt it, very unpleasant for everyone involved

It's ironic that all comes this out just as MAFSAUS finishes where the majority of the women were horrible and Gia seemed almost on the verge of 'accusing' Scott of something until Filip and Stella called out her bullshit.

Beyond awful, and as usual the women were ignored to begin with. So much of reality TV is damaging to participants, I can't wait for it to die a death.

Yes, I watched Panorama last night and the way the complaints were handled were awful !

I listen to a podcast where the hosts were friendly with the late Mel Shilling.

One of them has been single for a long time and a while ago was begging Mel to be on Mafs. Mel said something along the lines of trust me you really don't want that.

To me that means they knew exactly what kind of environment they were creating. Otherwise she would welcome a friend onto her show.

I had forgotten this.
A very valid point.
In the most recent Australia series , Joel was ridiculed for having a teddy bear. Yes, it is a bit childish, but I doubt it would have gained the attention if he had been a woman.
So much for guys being encouraged to be open and sensitive !!!

It literally says what it is in the link.

Is anyone truly surprised that this has happened?

I found the whole concept ridiculous so I never watched it. Can't say i am surprised by the experiences some of the women claim they have had. It is a certain type of person now, I think that signs up for shows like this. I hope the allegations are investigated by the police, I worry though nothing will come of it as there were no reports made at the time. Sad.

I totally agree, I watched the Australia one years ago and enjoyed it as it didn't seem to be the constant pressure to 'get intimate' but to build actual genuine relationships. Haven't watched for a while as it always felt like all they were trying to do was to get people to have sex!!!

I'd never known about MAFS until today, and am flabbergasted. What on earth were people expecting to happen? It's opting to participate in the very worst type of arranged marriage (albeit unofficial). There are schemes at airports to protect young women from being forced into these.
Agreeing to live with, and share a bed, with a man you've never met before?
Personal culpability applies here, surely? What were these women thinking?
Once again, the horror of rape is being undermined by women who "didn't realise until afterwards what had happened".

It’s fair to criticise the show or question why people watch it, but calling viewers the low intelligence masses is so condescending and dehumanising.

People can enjoy reality TV while still caring deeply about serious issues and having empathy for victims. Watching a programme doesn’t mean someone supports abuse or exploitation any more than watching crime dramas means they support violence.

Reducing millions of people to 'low intelligence' because their entertainment choices differ from yours says more about the you than the viewers.