Love is blind producers have responded after previous contestants on the Netflix dating series complained about elements of the production, claiming the show’s team wasn’t doing enough to prioritize mental health.
For a Insider story that published a number of people who appeared on Tuesday Love is blind talked about challenging aspects of their time on the Kinetic Content-produced show. Love is blind premiered in February 2020, and the show released its season four reunion special on Monday after technical difficulties amid the streamer’s plan to air it live.
In a statement shared with The Hollywood ReporterKinetic Content responded to the Insider story saying, “The well-being of our participants is of the utmost importance to Kinetic. We have established strict protocols to care for each person before, during and after filming.”
Among the former contestants who spoke to the outlet was Danielle Ruhl, who married Nick Thompson on the show’s second season to be released in February 2022 before the couple filed for divorce that summer. Ruhl recalled having a panic attack during production, claiming she hid in a closet to avoid having the experience appear on camera. According to Ruhl, producers reportedly convinced her to stay on the show.
“I kept telling them, ‘I don’t trust myself,'” Ruhl said Insider. “’I’ve tried to commit suicide before. I have suicidal thoughts. I don’t think I can go on with this.’”
Thompson also spoke to the publication, saying producers should have done more to support the couple after filming ended. “I literally begged for help, and I didn’t get it,” Thompson said of his exchanges with producers after the season ended. “Like, I want to fix my marriage that you pushed us into for profit. And it was nothing.”
Some participants who spoke to the publication claimed it was difficult to get enough sleep while filming, while others claimed that food and water were not always readily available. According to Insidermultiple former cast members indicated that the show should have made a therapist available during shooting, like other dating series including the Bachelor education franchise done.
“I thought I’d find my husband,” said an unnamed season two contestant. “I had no idea it was going to be emotional warfare.”
