Following allegations made by former contestants of Married at First Sight UK, Channel 4 has issued a public apology. It follows a BBC Panorama documentary that brought the rape and sexual misconduct accusations into public focus.<h2>What's the controversy?</h2>Married at First Sight UK is a dating show where strangers are paired by relationship experts and meet for the first time at televised wedding ceremonies. The controversy intensified after three women revealed their experiences on the programme.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/finished-off-campus-these-6-romance-dramas-on-netflix-prime-video-and-more-should-be-your-next-binge-watch-1779273819443">Loved Off Campus? Stream these 6 romance dramas next on Netflix, Prime Video and more</a>&nbsp;Two anonymous participants alleged they had been raped by their on-screen husbands, while former contestant Shona Manderson accused her partner of a non-consensual sexual act. However, the men involved have denied all allegations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/cocaine-worth-9-3-million-found-in-truck-carrying-kim-kardashian-s-brand-products-company-issues-clarification-1779284597188">Kim Kardashian’s brand responds after cocaine found in delivery truck</a><h2>Channel 4 issues an apology</h2>As per BBC, while speaking during a media briefing related to the broadcaster’s annual report in London, Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra spoke about the matter, saying, "That said, I have watched the programme and heard the women's accounts, which are very troubling. Their distress is clear, and for that I am, of course, deeply sorry."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/sebastian-stan-slams-donald-trump-says-we-re-in-a-really-really-bad-place-1779275621966">Sebastian Stan slams Donald Trump, says, 'we’re in a really, really bad place'</a>&nbsp;She also confirmed that an independent review into participant welfare is already underway regarding the allegations, and the findings are expected later this summer."However, I'm sure you'll appreciate that Channel 4 cannot investigate the specific allegations against the men, which they have denied, nor can I comment on them in any way," she said, expressing regret over the women’s experiences. "We are a broadcaster, not an adjudicator, and allegations of this type are investigated by other bodies, including when complaints are raised by the police."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/meryl-streep-martin-short-reignite-dating-rumours-with-cozy-dinner-in-london-see-pics-1779271565185">Meryl Streep, Martin Short reignite dating rumours with cozy dinner in London</a><h2>Has the programme been cancelled?</h2>Additionally, Channel 4 has rejected speculation that the programme has already been cancelled. Dogra said reports claiming the show had been axed were "wholly inaccurate" and confirmed that the final decision has yet to be made about airing the next season, which is currently in post-production.&nbsp;Following the Panorama broadcast, Channel 4 removed previous seasons of Married At First Sight UK from its streaming services and social media platforms.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

After rape allegations were made by former contestants of Married at First Sight UK,  Channel 4 has addressed the matter, and issued a public apology. Read on to know more.

Following allegations made by former contestants of Married at First Sight UK, Channel 4 has issued a public apology. It follows a BBC Panorama documentary that brought the rape and sexual misconduct accusations into public focus. What's the controversy? Married at First Sight UK is a dating show where strangers are paired by relationship experts and meet for the first time at televised wedding ceremonies. The controversy intensified after three women revealed their experiences on the programme. Also Read: Loved Off Campus? Stream these 6 romance dramas next on Netflix, Prime Video and more Two anonymous participants alleged they had been raped by their on-screen husbands, while former contestant Shona Manderson accused her partner of a non-consensual sexual act. However, the men involved have denied all allegations. Also Read: Kim Kardashian’s brand responds after cocaine found in delivery truck Channel 4 issues an apology As per BBC, while speaking during a media briefing related to the broadcaster’s annual report in London, Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra spoke about the matter, saying, "That said, I have watched the programme and heard the women's accounts, which are very troubling. Their distress is clear, and for that I am, of course, deeply sorry." Also Read: Sebastian Stan slams Donald Trump, says, 'we’re in a really, really bad place' She also confirmed that an independent review into participant welfare is already underway regarding the allegations, and the findings are expected later this summer. "However, I'm sure you'll appreciate that Channel 4 cannot investigate the specific allegations against the men, which they have denied, nor can I comment on them in any way," she said, expressing regret over the women’s experiences. "We are a broadcaster, not an adjudicator, and allegations of this type are investigated by other bodies, including when complaints are raised by the police." Also Read: Meryl Streep, Martin Short reignite dating rumours with cozy dinner in London Has the programme been cancelled? Additionally, Channel 4 has rejected speculation that the programme has already been cancelled. Dogra said reports claiming the show had been axed were "wholly inaccurate" and confirmed that the final decision has yet to be made about airing the next season, which is currently in post-production. Following the Panorama broadcast, Channel 4 removed previous seasons of Married At First Sight UK from its streaming services and social media platforms.

After rape allegations were made by former contestants of Married at First Sight UK, &nbsp;Channel 4 has addressed the matter and issued a public apology. Read on to know more.

'Very troubling': Channel 4 chief responds to rape allegations linked to Married At First Sight UK TV series

A 20-year-old London-based model, Chloe Ayling, was kidnapped from France under the pretence of a photo shoot. She was drugged and shoved into a suitcase before her kidnappers revealed their true intentions. A Docudrama on the kidnapping story was released in August 2017. She became well known in London, and her story is being adopted in a documentary on the BBC, Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping, which has been airing since August 4, 2025.In April 2017, Chloe, who was thought to be 19 at the time, went to Paris, France, for a photoshoot booked by her former agent, Phil Green. However, she soon found out that the job was a setup, as she arrived at the studio, two masked men drugged her with Ketamine.&nbsp;Luckasz Herba, her kidnapper who had posed as a photographer, and his brother Michael Herba had said that they had been recruited by an international crime gang, ‘Black Death’, to kidnap her. If she does not pay the ransom of €300,000, she will be auctioned off as a Sex Slave on the Dark Web.Chloe Ayling said she had ‘accepted that she was going to die’ following spending six days against her will. She then noticed that Luckasz had started to take a liking to her. Chloe convinced Luckasz that she would date him if he let her go. Chloe said that this softened her captors towards her, and Luckasz allowed her to sleep in his bed. Earlier, she had to sleep on the floor of a farmhouse. Luckasz then gave her a pizza, took her shopping to replace her missing shoes, before driving Chloe to the British consulate in Milan six days after her abduction.&nbsp;"Even though I was out, I didn’t feel safe," said Chloe. As she had to put a stop to any investigation into her disappearance and stump up the hefty amount of cash for the ransom herself.However, people did not believe her story and accused her of staging her kidnapping. This was fuelled by the CCTV footage, which captured her holding Lukasz's hand while they shopped for shoes. Authorities had insisted that she was merely playing along for her safety. Later, her kidnappers, Lukas and his brother Michael, were arrested and sentenced to 16 years and nine months in prison.&nbsp;

Chloe Ayling, a 20-year-old woman who was kidnapped to be sold on the dark web as a sex slave, reveals the details of her escape. A docuseries on her kidnapping is streaming on BBC,' Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping', 

A 20-year-old London-based model, Chloe Ayling, was kidnapped from France under the pretence of a photo shoot. She was drugged and shoved into a suitcase before her kidnappers revealed their true intentions. A Docudrama on the kidnapping story was released in August 2017. She became well known in London, and her story is being adopted in a documentary on the BBC, Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping, which has been airing since August 4, 2025. In April 2017, Chloe, who was thought to be 19 at the time, went to Paris, France, for a photoshoot booked by her former agent, Phil Green. However, she soon found out that the job was a setup, as she arrived at the studio, two masked men drugged her with Ketamine. Luckasz Herba, her kidnapper who had posed as a photographer, and his brother Michael Herba had said that they had been recruited by an international crime gang, ‘Black Death’, to kidnap her. If she does not pay the ransom of €300,000, she will be auctioned off as a Sex Slave on the Dark Web. Chloe Ayling said she had ‘accepted that she was going to die’ following spending six days against her will. She then noticed that Luckasz had started to take a liking to her. Chloe convinced Luckasz that she would date him if he let her go. Chloe said that this softened her captors towards her, and Luckasz allowed her to sleep in his bed. Earlier, she had to sleep on the floor of a farmhouse. Luckasz then gave her a pizza, took her shopping to replace her missing shoes, before driving Chloe to the British consulate in Milan six days after her abduction. "Even though I was out, I didn’t feel safe," said Chloe. As she had to put a stop to any investigation into her disappearance and stump up the hefty amount of cash for the ransom herself. However, people did not believe her story and accused her of staging her kidnapping. This was fuelled by the CCTV footage, which captured her holding Lukasz's hand while they shopped for shoes. Authorities had insisted that she was merely playing along for her safety. Later, her kidnappers, Lukas and his brother Michael, were arrested and sentenced to 16 years and nine months in prison.

Chloe Ayling, a 20-year-old woman who was kidnapped to be sold on the dark web as a sex slave, reveals the details of her escape. A docuseries on her kidnapping is streaming on BBC, 'Chloe Ayling: My Unbelievable Kidnapping',&nbsp;

Kidnapped to be sold as 'sex slave': Chloe Ayling narrates how she escaped her captors

A two-part documentary focusing on the killing of popular Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, famously known as Sidhu Moose Wala, was released by the BBC World Service on June 11 on their YouTube channel.&nbsp;&nbsp;Notably, the release coincided with Moose Wala’s birth anniversary. This comes after his father, Balkaur Singh had filed a petition in a Mansa court in Punjab seeking a stay on its screening. The court is scheduled to hear the petition on June 12.&nbsp;Earlier, Balkaur Singh, had filed official complaints with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and Juhu Police Station, asking them to stop the film screening planned for June 11 at Soho House in Juhu.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the complaint and the issue sparking controversy, the makers decided to release the film on YouTube instead.&nbsp;His father has alleged that it was made without his consent and had false information about his son's murder. Singh also expressed concern that the documentary could disclose new information. He said that the documentary includes interviews with people named in the FIR related to his son's murder, raising concerns about its potential impact on the legal case.&nbsp;Among those interviewed are Moose Wala's old friends, journalists, and senior police officials from Punjab and Delhi. It also includes an audio interview with gangster Goldy Brar, who allegedly masterminded Moose Wala's murder.&nbsp;The first episode, titled ‘The Killing Call’, focuses on Moose Wala's early life and rise to fame amid controversies. The second episode delves into the events leading up to and following Moose Wala's murder.&nbsp;The BBC World Service, in its YouTube video description, wrote: “On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was murdered by hired hitmen who followed his car, shot him through the windscreen, and left him to die. As news of the killing spread across India and around the world, a gangster named Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the hit. But three years later, no one has been convicted of this murder, the motives remain murky, and Goldy Brar is still on the run. BBC Eye Investigations has been talking to some of the people closest to Sidhu Moose Wala, tracing his rise from obscurity to stardom, finding out how he made enemies of India’s most feared gang, and asking why they wanted him dead.”&nbsp;Afterward, gangster Brar publicly claimed responsibility for the killing.

Sidhu Moose Wala: BBC releases documentary on Punjabi singer despite father seeking ban

A two-part documentary focusing on the killing of popular Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, famously known as Sidhu Moose Wala, was released by the BBC World Service on June 11 on their YouTube channel. Notably, the release coincided with Moose Wala’s birth anniversary. This comes after his father, Balkaur Singh had filed a petition in a Mansa court in Punjab seeking a stay on its screening. The court is scheduled to hear the petition on June 12. Earlier, Balkaur Singh, had filed official complaints with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and Juhu Police Station, asking them to stop the film screening planned for June 11 at Soho House in Juhu. Following the complaint and the issue sparking controversy, the makers decided to release the film on YouTube instead. His father has alleged that it was made without his consent and had false information about his son's murder. Singh also expressed concern that the documentary could disclose new information. He said that the documentary includes interviews with people named in the FIR related to his son's murder, raising concerns about its potential impact on the legal case. Among those interviewed are Moose Wala's old friends, journalists, and senior police officials from Punjab and Delhi. It also includes an audio interview with gangster Goldy Brar, who allegedly masterminded Moose Wala's murder. The first episode, titled ‘The Killing Call’, focuses on Moose Wala's early life and rise to fame amid controversies. The second episode delves into the events leading up to and following Moose Wala's murder. The BBC World Service, in its YouTube video description, wrote: “On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was murdered by hired hitmen who followed his car, shot him through the windscreen, and left him to die. As news of the killing spread across India and around the world, a gangster named Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the hit. But three years later, no one has been convicted of this murder, the motives remain murky, and Goldy Brar is still on the run. BBC Eye Investigations has been talking to some of the people closest to Sidhu Moose Wala, tracing his rise from obscurity to stardom, finding out how he made enemies of India’s most feared gang, and asking why they wanted him dead.” Afterward, gangster Brar publicly claimed responsibility for the killing.

The release coincided with Sidhu Moose Wala’s birth anniversary

British model Bianca Gascoigne has come out publicly to accuse Mohamed al-Fayed, the&nbsp;late owner of Harrods,&nbsp;of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager employed at the luxury department store.

Speaking to Sky News on Monday (Oct 21), the daughter of former footballer Paul Gascoigne recalled how Fayed tried to force her into sexual acts after offering her an apartment room for a night's stay when she was around 16 years of age.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mohamed-al-fayed-was-a-rapist-20-women-come-out-against-father-of-lady-dianas-boyfriend-dodi-al-fayed-760351">Also read: Mohamed Al Fayed was a rapist? 20 women come out against father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed</a> 
 
She said Fayed, who used to be charming and generous to her and family, made a surprise visit to the apartment, and made sexual advances.

She said Fayed turned up at the apartment to her shock. "I was just gobsmacked, I was kind of very shell-shocked, I just didn't really know what to do," she told the channel.

In her telling, Fayad tried to push her hands to his private parts after exposing himself, and at one point pushed her head to his lap.

"And I don't know how but I managed to wiggle away...And I think possibly you know, that him knowing my parents ... I don't know, that might have saved me at that moment. But it was horrific."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-more-women-allege-ex-harrods-owner-al-fayed-of-sexual-abuse-766371">Also read: Over 60 more women accuse ex-Harrods owner Al-Fayed of sexual abuse</a>

The 37-year-old model opened up about the ordeal in the wake of scores of complaints against Fayed who died at the age of 94 in 2023.

The sexual assault claims range from misconduct to rape, and lasted over decades.&nbsp;

The current owners of Harrods are settling more than 250 compensation claims from sexual assault survivors including incidents recounted in a BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator At Harrods.&nbsp;

Watch: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor

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The documentary had interviews and stories of several women who faced sexual misconduct over decades from the Egyptian-origin businessman, whose son Dodi was once the boyfriend of Princess Diana. They both died together in a Paris car crash.

Harrods said&nbsp;several former staff came forward after the airing of the documentary which led the luxury department store to facilitate direct settlement processes.&nbsp;

The Metropolitan Police have initiated a thorough review of allegations against Fayed.

It is looking into whether to charge him based on allegations made by two out of 21 women who reported abuse from 2005 to 2023.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British model Bianca Gascoigne has come out publicly to accuse Mohamed al-Fayed, the late owner of Harrods, of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager employed at the luxury department store.

British model Bianca Gascoigne has come out publicly to accuse Mohamed al-Fayed, the late owner of Harrods, of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager employed at the luxury department store. Speaking to Sky News on Monday (Oct 21), the daughter of former footballer Paul Gascoigne recalled how Fayed tried to force her into sexual acts after offering her an apartment room for a night's stay when she was around 16 years of age. Also read: Mohamed Al Fayed was a rapist? 20 women come out against father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed She said Fayed, who used to be charming and generous to her and family, made a surprise visit to the apartment, and made sexual advances. She said Fayed turned up at the apartment to her shock. "I was just gobsmacked, I was kind of very shell-shocked, I just didn't really know what to do," she told the channel. In her telling, Fayad tried to push her hands to his private parts after exposing himself, and at one point pushed her head to his lap. "And I don't know how but I managed to wiggle away...And I think possibly you know, that him knowing my parents ... I don't know, that might have saved me at that moment. But it was horrific." Also read: Over 60 more women accuse ex-Harrods owner Al-Fayed of sexual abuse The 37-year-old model opened up about the ordeal in the wake of scores of complaints against Fayed who died at the age of 94 in 2023. The sexual assault claims range from misconduct to rape, and lasted over decades. The current owners of Harrods are settling more than 250 compensation claims from sexual assault survivors including incidents recounted in a BBC documentary, Al Fayed: Predator At Harrods. Watch: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor × The documentary had interviews and stories of several women who faced sexual misconduct over decades from the Egyptian-origin businessman, whose son Dodi was once the boyfriend of Princess Diana. They both died together in a Paris car crash. Harrods said several former staff came forward after the airing of the documentary which led the luxury department store to facilitate direct settlement processes. The Metropolitan Police have initiated a thorough review of allegations against Fayed. It is looking into whether to charge him based on allegations made by two out of 21 women who reported abuse from 2005 to 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Mohamed al-Fayed sex abuse: UK model Bianca Gascoigne speaks out; Harrods settling with 250 accusers

India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (January 19) slammed the BBC documentary&nbsp; aimed at discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;and termed it a "propaganda piece" and completely biased that still reveals a colonial mindset.&nbsp;The documentary, which is said to be based on some internal UK report, led to outrage on social media and was removed from some&nbsp;platforms.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom's National broadcaster BBC released a two-part documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots that had taken place when PM Modi was the chief minister of the Western state of the nation.&nbsp;

Addressing a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said, "We think it is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, lack of objectivity and continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible."&nbsp;

"This documentary is a reflection on the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again," Bagchi said. He added that it "makes us wonder about the purpose of this exercise and agenda behind it".&nbsp;

The controversial documentary even reached the British Parliament when Pakistan-origin MP Imran Hussain mentioned&nbsp;it in a question to which British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded, stating that he "doesn't agree with the characterisation".&nbsp;

"The UK government's position on this has been clear and long-standing and hasn't changed, of course, we don't tolerate persecution where it appears anywhere but I am not sure I agree at all with the characterisation that the honourable gentleman has put forward," Sunak said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;India: News flagged as fake by the government to be banned on social media&nbsp;

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Media reports have mentioned that the documentary included remarks by former UK Secretary Jack Straw, who apparently said that they initiated an inquiry and sent a team to Gujarat to find out what had happened during the riots. As quoted by media outlets, Straw said that "they produced a very thorough report".&nbsp;

Responding to Straw's claims, Bagchi said that "he (Jack Straw) seems to be referring to some internal UK report. How do I have access to that? It's a 20-year-old report."&nbsp;

Bagchi also added that what's the need to jump on it now and why should India give importance to it just because the UK says it?&nbsp;

"I heard words like inquiry and investigations. There is a reason why we use the colonial mindset. We don't use words loosely. What inquiry they were diplomats there...investigation, are they ruling the country," Bagchi asked.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (January 19) slammed the BBC documentary aimed at discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and termed it a "propaganda piece" and completely biased that still reveals a colonial mindset.

India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (January 19) slammed the BBC documentary aimed at discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and termed it a "propaganda piece" and completely biased that still reveals a colonial mindset. The documentary, which is said to be based on some internal UK report, led to outrage on social media and was removed from some platforms. The United Kingdom's National broadcaster BBC released a two-part documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots that had taken place when PM Modi was the chief minister of the Western state of the nation. Addressing a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said, "We think it is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, lack of objectivity and continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible." "This documentary is a reflection on the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again," Bagchi said. He added that it "makes us wonder about the purpose of this exercise and agenda behind it". The controversial documentary even reached the British Parliament when Pakistan-origin MP Imran Hussain mentioned it in a question to which British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded, stating that he "doesn't agree with the characterisation". "The UK government's position on this has been clear and long-standing and hasn't changed, of course, we don't tolerate persecution where it appears anywhere but I am not sure I agree at all with the characterisation that the honourable gentleman has put forward," Sunak said. WATCH | India: News flagged as fake by the government to be banned on social media × Media reports have mentioned that the documentary included remarks by former UK Secretary Jack Straw, who apparently said that they initiated an inquiry and sent a team to Gujarat to find out what had happened during the riots. As quoted by media outlets, Straw said that "they produced a very thorough report". Responding to Straw's claims, Bagchi said that "he (Jack Straw) seems to be referring to some internal UK report. How do I have access to that? It's a 20-year-old report." Bagchi also added that what's the need to jump on it now and why should India give importance to it just because the UK says it? "I heard words like inquiry and investigations. There is a reason why we use the colonial mindset. We don't use words loosely. What inquiry they were diplomats there...investigation, are they ruling the country," Bagchi asked. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Propaganda piece, reveals colonial mindset’: India slams BBC documentary on 2002 Gujarat riots

The Indian government has slammed a BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We think that this is a propaganda piece, designed to push a particular discredited narrative."

WION Dispatch: Indian MEA denounces BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

This documentary could change the tide in Bollywood. A BBC World News report has documented how aspiring actors in the Indian film industry often fall prey to casting couch. Actresses Radhika Apte and Usha Jadhav feature in the documentary and speak in details about how actors are sexually exploited in return for film roles.&nbsp; 
 
"Some people are regarded as Gods. They are so powerful that people just don't think that my voice is going to matter, or people think that if I speak, probably my career is going to get ruined," Radhika Apte tells BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan in Bollywood's Dark Secret, reports a newspaper.&nbsp; 
 
The culture of silence in Bollywood is encouraged, Apte states in the documentary adding that she wishes that the global movement like #MeToo would also create a significant impact in India. " The way the women, and the men, of course, came together and decided that as a team we are not going to let this happen, I wish that could happen here," states Radhika Apte.&nbsp; 
National Award winning Marathi actress Usha Jadhav reveals that how its common for powerful men in the film industry to demand sexual favours. Jadhav recalls how she herself was asked to give in something in return for a film role.&nbsp; 
 
"I said something on the lines of, 'What? I don't have money'. He said, 'No, no, no, no. It's not about money, it's about you sleeping with, maybe it can be a producer, maybe it can be a director, it can be both too," Jadhav said. 
 
The documentary also features an aspiring actress, 25, who left her small village to chase her Bollywood dream. The actress says she was molested on a number of occasions, including the first time she met a casting agent. 
 
"He started telling me that for an actress, you should be happy to have sex as and, when possible, and embrace your sexuality. He touched me wherever he wanted, he kissed me wherever he wanted and I was shocked. He put his hand inside my clothes so I asked him to stop and he said: Do you know what, if you really want to work in this industry I don't think you've got the right attitude," she was quoted as saying in the documentary which will be aired worldwide on Saturday and Sunday.&nbsp;

Radhika Apte and Usha Jadhav feature in a BBC documentary that talks about casting couch in Bollywood

This documentary could change the tide in Bollywood. A BBC World News report has documented how aspiring actors in the Indian film industry often fall prey to casting couch. Actresses Radhika Apte and Usha Jadhav feature in the documentary and speak in details about how actors are sexually exploited in return for film roles. "Some people are regarded as Gods. They are so powerful that people just don't think that my voice is going to matter, or people think that if I speak, probably my career is going to get ruined," Radhika Apte tells BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan in Bollywood's Dark Secret, reports a newspaper. The culture of silence in Bollywood is encouraged, Apte states in the documentary adding that she wishes that the global movement like #MeToo would also create a significant impact in India. " The way the women, and the men, of course, came together and decided that as a team we are not going to let this happen, I wish that could happen here," states Radhika Apte. National Award winning Marathi actress Usha Jadhav reveals that how its common for powerful men in the film industry to demand sexual favours. Jadhav recalls how she herself was asked to give in something in return for a film role. "I said something on the lines of, 'What? I don't have money'. He said, 'No, no, no, no. It's not about money, it's about you sleeping with, maybe it can be a producer, maybe it can be a director, it can be both too," Jadhav said. The documentary also features an aspiring actress, 25, who left her small village to chase her Bollywood dream. The actress says she was molested on a number of occasions, including the first time she met a casting agent. "He started telling me that for an actress, you should be happy to have sex as and, when possible, and embrace your sexuality. He touched me wherever he wanted, he kissed me wherever he wanted and I was shocked. He put his hand inside my clothes so I asked him to stop and he said: Do you know what, if you really want to work in this industry I don't think you've got the right attitude," she was quoted as saying in the documentary which will be aired worldwide on Saturday and Sunday.

Radhika Apte reveals how sexual harassment is prevalent in Bollywood

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