Renee Poche, a former contestant on the hit Netflix dating series “Love Is Blind,” is continuing her legal battle against the show’s producers after a judge dismissed her initial lawsuit. Poche has now filed an appeal, arguing that the court erred in throwing out her claims.
In her original lawsuit, filed in June 2022, Poche alleged that she was subjected to “inhumane working conditions” and “manipulation” during her time on the show. The reality TV participant claimed that producers intentionally deprived her of food and sleep in order to manufacture dramatic storylines.
Poche also accused the show’s creators of failing to provide adequate mental health support, resulting in her experiencing severe distress and anxiety. She argued that these actions constituted a breach of contract and violation of California labor laws.
However, in November 2022, a federal judge in California dismissed Poche’s lawsuit, ruling that her claims were too vague and lacked specific details to support her allegations. The judge determined that Poche had failed to provide sufficient evidence of the show’s wrongdoing.
Undeterred, Poche has now filed an appeal, arguing that the court made several errors in its dismissal of the case. Her legal team contends that the judge applied the wrong legal standard in evaluating the lawsuit and overlooked key evidence that substantiated Poche’s claims.
“We strongly believe the court made several mistakes in its analysis and that Ms. Poche has a strong case,” said Poche’s attorney, Jamie Steiner. “She went through a deeply traumatic experience on ‘Love Is Blind’ and deserves her day in court.”
The appeal represents the latest development in the growing scrutiny of the reality TV industry’s treatment of its participants. Poche’s lawsuit has shone a spotlight on the potential mental health risks and labor law violations that can occur behind the scenes of these highly-produced shows.
As Poche’s case continues to wind its way through the legal system, it will be closely watched by both fans of “Love Is Blind” and those concernedaout the welfare of reality TV contestants.
