Now Reading
‘Love is Blind’ Contestants Say They Were ‘Psychologically Tortured’ On the Show

‘Love is Blind’ Contestants Say They Were ‘Psychologically Tortured’ On the Show

Popular Netflix dating reality series Love is Blind has come under fire for its treatment of contestants behind the scenes.

Insider reports numerous former contestants have complained about the mistreatment they experienced during their time on the show, including lack of food, water and sleep, as well as inadequate mental health support.

It’s not the first time a reality series has been criticized for mistreating contestants. From The Bachelor to The Biggest Loser, alleged behind-the-scenes horror stories have become commonplace in the world of reality TV. Love is Blind is just the latest series to come under the microscope, and according to Insider‘s report, it’s just as bad as the shows that came before.

Insider found that the show’s contestants sign a contract acknowledging that the show may “expose information that is ‘personal, private, surprising, defamatory, disparaging, embarrassing or unfavorable’ and open them up to ‘public ridicule, humiliation or condemnation'” — a fairly standard agreement for anyone willing to be on national television. But contestants argue that there was no way for them to fully know what they were actually agreeing to.

And once you’re in, it might not be easy to get out: contestants told Insider they would have to pay $50,000 in damages to television production company Kinetic Content if they leave the show early without producer approval. Meanwhile, the weekly stipend they receive while filming is limited to $1,000 per week, up to $8,000 for the length of filming the show.

The list of alleged offenses against contestants is long. Some contestants told Insider lack of food was a constant issue, with one former contestant alleging how there would often be only one hard-boiled egg available in the kitchen. Insider‘s report also said lack of water was a problem, with on-set sinks reportedly not working, and contestants alleging producers were intercepting bottled water deliveries to suggest bringing alcohol along with it. And lack of sleep was a constant issue for many contestants who spoke with Insider, sharing they were housed in one-room trailers with bunk beds, or in hotels with PAs rumored to be standing guard to prevent interaction between contestants.

But the most concerning aspect of the Insider report is the lack of mental health support for contestants. The publication alleges the psychological screening before filming was reportedly not as thorough as it could or should have been. Danielle Ruhl, a contestant on season 2, told Insider she was put through to the show despite disclosing a history of mental illness and a prior suicide attempt. During a honeymoon special, she experienced a panic attack when she was separated from her fiancé, but the show portrayed the attack as though she was upset about her fiancé speaking to another woman.

“I kept telling them, ‘I don’t trust myself,'” Ruhl said. “‘I’ve tried committing suicide before. I’m having suicidal thoughts. I don’t think I can continue in this.'”

In response to the report, Kinetic Content released a statement saying, “The wellbeing 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.”

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top

You’re reading our ad-supported experience

For our premium ad-free experience, including exclusive podcasts, issues and more, subscribe to

Plans start as low as $2.50/mo