Channel 4's dating show, First Dates, is facing significant backlash after featuring a contestant with a documented history of violence against women. The unidentified man, who reportedly admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend in 2020, was cleared to appear on the show despite a two-year restraining order against him. The victim's mother has voiced her outrage, stating that her daughter has suffered catastrophic mental health effects due to the assault and criticized the show's vetting process for allowing such a person to be portrayed as a potential partner. Another woman has also come forward, revealing the lasting trauma she experienced in her relationship with the same contestant. Channel 4 defended its practices, claiming that all contributors undergo rigorous checks, including a clear Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This incident occurs alongside troubling allegations from another Channel 4 program, Married at First Sight UK, where participants have reported sexual misconduct. The network has since suspended the new series of MAFS UK and removed previous seasons from its streaming service, as the Metropolitan Police encourages any victims of sexual assault related to the show to come forward.