Some of the former cast members of Love is Blind have complained that the producers did not take care of their mental health.
One candidate called the Netflix programme, in which individuals get to know one another in “pods” and decide to wed before meeting in person, “emotional warfare.”
In season two, Danielle Ruhl, who wed and then divorced Nick Thompson, claimed to have experienced a panic attack and to have had “suicidal thoughts.”
I kept saying, “I don’t trust myself,” to them. I’ve attempted suicide previously. I’m contemplating suicide. She remarked, “I don’t believe I can go on like this.
She was allegedly left in a hotel room by herself during the alleged encounter because there were worries she could have Covid, yet she continued to appear on the show.
Since she admitted to having attempted suicide in the past, Danielle doesn’t think she should have been able to pass the mental exam.
Two other cast members said they experienced panic attacks while filming the show, which is hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, according to an investigation by Business Insider.
The story also claims that some candidates sought counselling after becoming despondent, and one even felt forced to resign from their job.
They were informed by a cast member of the first season: “We’re not even viewed as humans.”
Kinetic Connect, the production firm behind the film Love Is Blind, has addressed the allegations.
In a statement they said: ‘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.’
Contestants are put under further pressure since they are informed that they must pay $50,000 if they leave before the show has finished taping, according to Insider.
The lack of sleep was genuine, said Danielle Drouin, who became engaged to Rory Newbrough during the first season but whose story was not included on the programme. They seem to be attempting to break you, therefore I think they’re doing it on purpose. They need you to be on edge.
Jeremy Hartwell from series two decided to sue the show and claims they are ‘exploiting and emotionally and psychologically abusing human beings for profit.’
His lawyer Chantal Payton released a statement in July last year saying: ‘They intentionally underpaid the cast members, deprived them of food, water and sleep, plied them with booze and cut off their access to personal contacts and most of the outside world.
‘This made cast members hungry for social connections and altered their emotions and decision-making.’
At the time Kinetic Connect released a statement in response: ‘Mr. Hartwell’s involvement in Season 2 of Love is Blind lasted less than one week. Unfortunately, for Mr. Hartwell, his journey ended early after he failed to develop a significant connection with any other participant.
‘While we will not speculate as to his motives for filing the lawsuit, there is absolutely no merit to Mr. Hartwell’s allegations, and we will vigorously defend against his claims.’
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.
