The hit reality show “Love Is Blind” is facing scrutiny after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint against its production companies, Kinetic Content and Delirium TV. The NLRB alleges the companies violated labor laws, including using unlawful confidentiality and noncompete clauses in cast member contracts.
Reality TV stars classified as employees
The NLRB’s complaint seeks to classify “Love Is Blind” contestants as employees rather than independent contractors. This distinction could lead to significant changes in the reality TV industry. According to a legal expert speaking to CNN, this case could increase transparency in an industry long accused of exploitation.
Previous complaints against “Love Is Blind”
According to The New York Times, in 2023, contestants Renee Poche and Nicholas Thompson filed unfair labor practice charges with the NLRB. Poche claims she was paid just $1,000 per week during filming, with no union-negotiated standards for pay.
Thompson, a contestant from the second season, said in an Instagram post Thursday, Dec. 12, in response to the news, “Employees have important legal protections and rights that contractors don’t have, like minimum wage, overtime pay, and the right to organize.”
Poche also accused Delirium TV of initiating arbitration proceedings after she spoke out about her partner’s financial instability during her season. The company alleged she violated her nondisclosure agreement and sought $4 million in damages.
Restrictive contracts under fire
In response to separate complaints last year, the show’s creator told People magazine that the show documents the independent choices of adult participants. However, the NLRB argues that restrictive contract terms, such as a $50,000 fine for leaving without legitimate reasons, are unlawful.
Poche’s lawyer, quoted by Deadline, stated, “Mark Geragos and I, along with our legal teams, have been working closely with the NLRB for over a year and are thrilled that this collaboration has resulted in a monumental filing that promises to change the reality TV industry forever.”
This development comes just months before the premiere of the eighth season of “Love is Blind.” New episodes launch on Feb. 14.
Straight Arrow News reached out to Kinetic Content and Delirium TV for comment but has yet to receive a response.
