In a legal move that has sent shockwaves through the reality TV industry, Renee Poche, a contestant from Season 5 of “Love is Blind,” is taking legal action against Netflix, claiming she was penalized $4 million for breaching her contract by discussing her experience on the show publicly. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations of various California laws by the show’s production company, Delirium TV, and Netflix.
Poche, a veterinarian residing in Austin, Texas, argues that an “overreaching and unlawful talent agreement” was imposed on participants, leading to a feeling of imprisonment and a lack of support when expressing concerns about safety. She is seeking a legal declaration that the participant release and agreement are illegal and unenforceable, along with damages for the alleged mistreatment.
In a statement, Poche revealed her traumatic experience on “Love is Blind,” describing it as feeling like a prisoner with inadequate support from the production team. Despite earning only $8,000 for her participation, she now faces a $4 million lawsuit for speaking out about the unsafe conditions she claims to have endured.
The legal battle intensified when Delirium initiated arbitration against Poche on Nov. 1, 2023, alleging violations of nondisclosure provisions in her contract, resulting in the $4 million penalty. Poche contends that the production company, in collaboration with Netflix, is attempting to financially ruin her for speaking out against the hazardous working conditions.
During the filming of “Love is Blind,” Poche received a modest $1,000 per week stipend, accumulating to a total of $8,000 for her participation in Season 5. Despite the limited compensation, her filing emphasizes the exorbitant penalties participants faced for breaching their contracts, creating a challenging environment for those who dared to voice their concerns.
Poche disclosed some of her unsettling experiences on the Out of the Pods podcast, hosted by “Love is Blind” Season 2 stars Deepti Vempati and Natalie Lee. In her October appearance, she shared details, including allegations against her show partner, Carter Wall. The claims involve disturbing behavior, theft, and alleged threats during filming.
Complicating matters, Poche asserts that, after filming, she was informed her relationship with Wall would not be featured in the show. However, she later appeared in episodes, leading to inconsistencies in the portrayal of her role in the series.
The lawsuit sheds light on the conditions Poche claims to have faced during filming, stating that she felt like a prisoner with restricted access to her phone and passport. Locked in her hotel room, she was allegedly only permitted to leave when accompanied by a designated handler.
Poche’s legal filing details her distressing relationship with Wall, citing his erratic and alarming behavior, which she claims resulted in a dangerous situation. Despite expressing her concerns to production, Poche contends that she was coerced into continuing with the engagement under the threat of legal action and potential financial repercussions.
This lawsuit follows similar legal actions against the “Love is Blind” franchise, including a 2022 case involving contestant Tran Dang, who alleged assault and safety negligence. The mounting legal challenges highlight the need for increased scrutiny of reality TV production practices and participant protections.
Attorneys Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos, representing Poche, are also involved in what they term a “reality reckoning,” collaborating with former reality TV star Bethenny Frankel to address industry-wide issues. Frankel has called for reality TV stars to unionize and demand stronger protections, signaling a potential shift in the dynamics of the reality TV landscape.
The unfolding legal drama involving Poche underscores broader concerns within the industry, as reality TV faces a reckoning with allegations of exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and the need for comprehensive participant safeguards.