'Love is Blind' Contestant Renee Poche claims intentional infliction of emotional distress and seeks to invalidate talent agreement in $4 million legal battle with "Love is Blind" production company.
Contestant Renee Poche from Season 5 of "Love is Blind" is taking legal action against Netflix, claiming she was penalized $4 million for discussing her experience on the show. In a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Poche alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations of California laws, citing an "overreaching and unlawful talent agreement" participants were required to sign.
Poche, a veterinarian from Austin, Texas, contends that her "Love is Blind" experience was traumatic, describing a lack of support when expressing concerns about safety to the production company, Delirium TV. In her lawsuit, she seeks a judge's determination that the participant release and agreement are illegal and unenforceable, along with damages.
Poche claims that Delirium initiated arbitration against her on Nov. 1, 2023, alleging violations of nondisclosure provisions, resulting in $4 million in penalties. She asserts that Delirium and Netflix are attempting to financially ruin her for speaking out against unsafe working conditions. Despite earning only $8,000 for her participation, Poche now faces a $4 million lawsuit.
In an October episode of the "Out of the Pods" podcast with "Love is Blind" Season 2 stars Deepti Vempati and Natalie Lee, Poche discussed her filming experience, including allegations against her show partner, Carter Wall. Some of these claims are included in her lawsuit. Poche recounts feeling like a prisoner during filming, with production in possession of her phone and passport. She claims to have been locked in her hotel room and allowed to leave only when accompanied by a wrangler.
Despite being informed that her relationship with Wall would not be featured, Poche appeared on the show, feeling "utterly terrified" around him. She alleges being placed in a dangerous situation and forced to spend time alone with Wall, who exhibited erratic behavior and emotional instability. Poche claims she made her misgivings clear to production but was warned of legal action if she dropped out or refused to move forward with the engagement.
Wall is not listed as a defendant in Poche's lawsuit. The case raises questions about the treatment of reality show participants and the legal repercussions for speaking out about their experiences.