Stephen Richardson, a former contestant on the popular Netflix dating show Love Is Blind, has filed a class-action lawsuit against the streaming giant and the show’s producers. The lawsuit claims that contestants were subjected to inhumane working conditions, misclassified as independent contractors, and denied fair wages. Richardson, who appeared on season seven of the series, is seeking compensation for himself and other contestants from recent seasons.
Allegations of Control and Manipulation
The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court on September 15, 2025, accuses Netflix and production companies Kinetic Content and Delirium TV of exerting excessive control over contestants’ lives. According to the filing, producers took away contestants’ personal belongings, including IDs, wallets, phones, and credit cards, effectively trapping them in hotel living quarters or on set. The suit also claims that contestants were regularly required to work 20-hour shifts with limited access to food, water, and sleep.
“Defendants exercised substantial control over every aspect of the Cast’s lives during production, including the Cast’s time, access to food and drinks, sleeping arrangements, and contact with family and friends.”
Alcohol and Hydration Issues
One of the most serious allegations involves the provision of alcohol and the restriction of hydrating drinks. Richardson claims that production primarily offered alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, energy drinks, and mixers, while limiting access to water. Contestants were encouraged to drink alcohol throughout the day without adequate food or water to mitigate intoxication. The lawsuit suggests this was done to manipulate contestants into making dramatic decisions for entertainment value.
Historical Context and Similar Lawsuits
This is not the first time Love Is Blind has faced legal challenges. In 2022, season two contestant Jeremy Hartwell sued Netflix and Kinetic Content, alleging similar labor violations and unsafe working conditions. His case revealed that contestants were paid a flat rate of $1,000 per week, which amounted to roughly $7 per hour given the exhausting 20-hour workdays. That lawsuit was settled in November 2024 for $1.4 million.
Similarly, season five contestant Renee Poche filed a lawsuit in 2024 against the producers, accusing them of intentional infliction of emotional distress and labor code violations. In response, the production companies initiated arbitration proceedings against her, seeking $4 million for breaching her non-disclosure agreement.
Pending Class Action and Demands
Richardson’s lawsuit seeks to represent a class of contestants from seasons 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Love Is Blind. The suit demands that contestants be reclassified as employees rather than independent contractors, which would entitle them to minimum wage, overtime pay, and other labor protections. It also seeks compensation for lost wages, punitive damages, and coverage of legal fees.
The filing follows a 2024 complaint by the National Labor Relations Board against the production, which stated that cast members were misclassified as independent contractors. This classification has significant implications for reality TV, as it affects contestants’ rights to unionize and receive fair wages.
Production Companies’ Response
Kinetic Content and Delirium TV have denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “meritless” in a joint statement. Netflix has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit. The production companies have historically relied on strict contracts, including non-disclosure agreements and arbitration clauses, to manage legal disputes with contestants.
Impact on Reality TV Industry
Reality TV has long been criticized for its exploitative practices, including long hours, emotional manipulation, and inadequate compensation. This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of contestants and could inspire broader changes in the industry. If successful, the case may encourage other reality TV participants to come forward with similar claims.
Also Read: Love Is Blind UK Season 2 Cast: All Participants and Where to Find Them
Credits: Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times
