Women's charity Refuge has spoken out against Married at First Sight UK following a confrontation between Alex Henry and Holly Ditchfield on the show.
A recent episode of the Channel 4 reality show saw the couple get into a heated confrontation following a dinner party, in which Holly had stormed out.
Alex said he was unimpressed with Holly bringing up her annoyance over his conversation with one of the imposter brides, saying such matters should be brought up in private.
"If I feel someone, I'll tell you. I ain't gonna hold it in. You just like to act like you're cool when you're not," he said.
Related: MAFS UK's Hannah accused of flirting with other husbands
"Big Holly only comes out when there's cameras around and there's people around. If I start raising my voice, it's gonna be a madness."
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Holly responded: "This is why I can't confront you, because 'it's gonna be a madness'," which prompted social media users to urge producers to step in.
Following the episode, women's domestic abuse charity Refuge released a statement saying it has "huge concerns" regarding this year's show.
"Refuge has concerns surrounding this year's Married at First Sight in which some contestants are displaying behaviours we recognise as abusive, and partners appear to be distressed and victimised as a result," it wrote on X on Wednesday (October 16).
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The organisation continued: "Threatening behaviour is not always physical violence or raised voices.
"It can be facial expressions, body language, someone's demeanour or their tone. Your partner shutting down conversations and making you feel silenced can be a warning sign of coercive control.
"Coercive control should not be aired as 'entertainment' on reality television and we are extremely concerned that shows like #MAFSUK normalise and excuse these actions. We want to see the 'experts' on this show do more to call out abusive behaviour when it occurs on air.
"Producers have a responsibility to make sure the message and narratives they are broadcasting to audiences don't excuse abuse, that footage like this is not aired in the first place and to provide safeguards to protect individuals involved in the show."
Digital Spy has reached out to representatives for Channel 4 and production company CPL for comment.
Related: MAFS UK teases new couple quitting show
Following the transmission of these scenes, Alex posted on Instagram: "I don't know what you guys see when you look at me. But honestly, I'm only 29, I'm still learning… I'm trying to become a better version of myself everyday.
"Honestly, thank you guys so much for all of the love and the messages, I really appreciate it so much. Thank you all."
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge and Women's Aid can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247.
The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK.
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