Love is blind the producers responded after previous contestants on the Netflix dating series complained about elements of the production and alleged the show’s team hadn’t done enough to prioritize mental health.
For a Initiated story which published on Tuesday, a number of people who appeared on Love is blind recounted difficult aspects of their time on the show produced by Kinetic Content. Love is blind premiered in February 2020, and the show released its season four reunion special on Monday following technical difficulties amid the streamer’s plan to air it live.
In a statement shared with The Hollywood ReporterKinetic Content responded to the Initiated story by saying, “The well-being of our participants is of paramount importance to Kinetic. We have rigorous protocols in place to care for each person before, during and after filming.
Among the former contestants to speak at the outlet was Danielle Ruhl, who married Nick Thompson during the show’s second season which was released in February 2022 before the couple filed for divorce this was there. Ruhl recalled having a panic attack during production and claimed that she hid in a closet to avoid the experience appearing on camera. According to Ruhl, the producers convinced her to stay on the show.
“I kept telling them, ‘I don’t trust myself,'” Ruhl said. Initiated. “’I’ve tried to kill myself before. I have suicidal thoughts. I don’t think I can continue in this area.
Thompson also spoke to the publication and said producers should have done more to support the couple after filming wrapped. “I literally asked for help, and I didn’t get it,” Thompson said of her interactions with producers after the season ended. “For example, I want to fix my marriage that you pushed us into for profit. And it was nothing.”
Some contestants who spoke to the publication said it was difficult to get enough sleep while filming, while others said food and water weren’t always readily available. According Initiatedseveral former cast members have said the show should have made a therapist available during filming, like other dating shows, including the Bachelor franchise have done.
“I thought I might find my husband,” said an unnamed season two contestant. “I had no idea it was going to be a lot of emotional warfare.”
This story follows former season two contestant Jeremy Hartwell, who filed a lawsuit last year against Netflix and Kinetic, alleging poor working conditions and low pay during his time on Love is blind. In a statement released at the time, Kinetic said there was “absolutely no basis” for the allegations.