November 03, 2024
Alex Henry. A typical Solider showing his colours on National TV
Alex Henry, a recent contestant on Married at First Sight UK, has sparked significant controversy due to his military actions and disturbing allegations regarding his personal relationships. Before joining the popular reality show, Henry served as an airman in the Royal Air Force (RAF), stationed at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria.
However, his military career was cut short when he allegedly went AWOL to participate in the series without permission from his superiors.
However, his military career was cut short when he allegedly went AWOL to participate in the series without permission from his superiors.
Despite requesting extra leave for filming, his application was denied. Henry left his post regardless, which reportedly led to his arrest by military police upon his return. Following this, he received a 34-day sentence in a military prison, serving 24 days before being discharged from the RAF.
In addition to his military misconduct, Henry’s appearance on the show has faced backlash due to allegations of abusive behaviour in past relationships. Women's Aid, a prominent UK charity, voiced disappointment over Channel 4's decision to allow Henry on Married at First Sight UK, given the serious concerns raised about his history.
Although there were calls for his removal, Channel 4 defended its decision by stating that Henry had passed a DBS (criminal record) check. The network maintained that his clean record justified his participation, which only intensified public criticism, as many questioned the reliability and adequacy of this vetting process.
Although there were calls for his removal, Channel 4 defended its decision by stating that Henry had passed a DBS (criminal record) check. The network maintained that his clean record justified his participation, which only intensified public criticism, as many questioned the reliability and adequacy of this vetting process.
In an interview, a person close to one of Henry's former partners shared disturbing insights into his behaviour. "Alex was in a relationship for many years with a loved one of mine. In that time, he physically and mentally abused her.
He stripped away her personality and convinced her he was the only person she needed. She suffered numerous black eyes, a broken nose, ribs, and more at his hands. Whenever she tried to report him to the police, he would send family members to convince her to drop the charges while he was on bail and couldn’t have direct access.
He manipulated her in so many ways. At the beginning of this year, he was arrested for charges related to domestic violence and harassment. We’ve since learned from cast members that this arrest happened around the time of the MAFS stag do, meaning Channel 4 was fully aware of it.
He stripped away her personality and convinced her he was the only person she needed. She suffered numerous black eyes, a broken nose, ribs, and more at his hands. Whenever she tried to report him to the police, he would send family members to convince her to drop the charges while he was on bail and couldn’t have direct access.
He manipulated her in so many ways. At the beginning of this year, he was arrested for charges related to domestic violence and harassment. We’ve since learned from cast members that this arrest happened around the time of the MAFS stag do, meaning Channel 4 was fully aware of it.
He has an extensive Claire’s Law record involving multiple women. It’s heartbreaking that he’s been given this platform and that Channel 4 has put both men and women at risk."
The troubling allegations surrounding Henry have spurred discussions on the vetting procedures for reality TV contestants and the responsibility of networks when casting individuals with potentially concerning backgrounds.
His case exposes the troubling realities that both the military and television networks often choose to overlook when it comes to allegations of abuse and personal misconduct. For networks, the pursuit of high ratings appears to outweigh concerns about casting individuals with such allegations, even if it means putting women at risk. Meanwhile, the military’s indifference to these issues speaks volumes—they benefit from silencing women, turning a blind eye to the abuse suffered by wives and girlfriends. Alex Henry serves as a stark example of the volatility that can be ignored for the sake of reputation and entertainment value.
