‘Love Is Blind’ Contestant Sues for Unpaid Wages, Inhumane Working Conditions in Class Action Filing

Love Is Blind Contestant Sues Producers for Unpaid Wages and Inhumane Working Conditions A class action lawsuit has been filed against the producers of Netflix's reality series Love Is Blind, alleging that contestants were misclassified as independent contractors and subjected to inhumane working conditions. The suit, filed on Monday in California superior court, names Netflix, Kinetic Content, and Delirium TV as defendants. According to the filing, contestant Stephen Richardson claims that he and other cast members worked long hours without being paid minimum wage or overtime pay. The lawsuit argues that the production's control over the manner, means, and timing of the work should entitle contestants to protections under California law. "We were treated like cattle, not human beings," Richardson said in a statement. "We were forced to work 12-hour days, six days a week, without any breaks or compensation. It was inhumane." The lawsuit alleges that producers willfully misclassified cast members as independent contractors to avoid paying benefits and taxes. This classification is at the center of the controversy, with Richardson's lawyers arguing that it is "clearly" not true. "The production company had complete control over our lives while we were on the show," said Richardson. "We were told what to wear, what to eat, and even when to sleep. It was a prison, not a reality TV show." Love Is Blind has been a popular Netflix series since its debut in 2020, with seven seasons airing to date. The show's format involves contestants meeting and falling in love in a completely blind environment, only interacting through pods. The lawsuit seeks damages for unpaid wages, overtime pay, and other benefits. It also asks the court to certify the class action, allowing Richardson and potentially hundreds of other cast members to join the suit. This is not the first time that reality TV contestants have spoken out about working conditions on set. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the treatment of reality TV stars, with many speaking out about long hours, low pay, and poor living conditions. The lawsuit's filing comes as the entertainment industry grapples with issues related to worker exploitation and misclassification. The California Department of Industrial Relations has launched an investigation into the allegations, according to a spokesperson for the department. A representative for Netflix declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing ongoing litigation. Kinetic Content and Delirium TV did not respond to requests for comment. The case is expected to be heard in court later this year. *Reporting by Variety.*