News Summary
Netflix’s reality show ‘Love is Blind’ is holding casting calls in New Orleans, seeking open-minded singles for intense relationships. The show aims to match contestants without physical contact, focusing on emotional connections in isolated settings. Amid the excitement, former participant Renee Poche has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging coercive practices during filming, raising questions about participant safety and ethical treatment in reality TV. The casting signals the show’s ongoing popularity despite the controversy.
New Orleans — Casting calls for Netflix’s reality show “Love is Blind” are now open in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the production company Kinetic Content seeks “brave” and “open-minded” singles ready for committed relationships. The show, which revolves around singles dating without seeing each other, is simultaneously accepting applications in cities including Austin, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Charleston. Season 10 of the series will initially feature 40 to 50 contestants who will interact in isolated, soundproof pods, forming connections solely through voice and conversation.
The casting process will narrow down the participant pool to approximately 20 to 25 individuals based on the depth of connections they establish. Netflix confirmed the renewal of “Love is Blind” for its tenth season in January 2025, with the anticipated air date set for 2026. There is speculation regarding Boston being the possible setting for this upcoming season.
However, the excitement surrounding the casting call is shadowed by a legal controversy involving a former participant. Renee Poche, from Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and Delirium TV. Her allegations include claims of coercive practices and emotional distress that arose during her participation in the show. Poche specifically addresses incidents involving her ex-fiancé, asserting that his alleged abusive behavior went unaddressed by the production team.
The lawsuit details several serious allegations, including “unlawful employment practices,” “unfair competition,” and “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” Poche claims she was pressured to continue her engagement, despite her repeated concerns regarding her ex-fiancé’s conduct. She reports feeling unsafe and unsupported during the filming process and accuses the production team of ignoring her concerns regarding her well-being.
The lawsuit outlines Poche’s experiences, emphasizing the abusive behavior exhibited by her ex-fiancé, Carter Wall. Following the filming of her segments, her storyline was ultimately not included in the show, prompting her to speak out against her negative experiences. After Poche made her comments public, Delirium TV initiated arbitration against her, claiming breach of her nondisclosure agreement and seeking $4 million in damages.
Poche’s case has sparked broader discussions about the safety and ethical treatment of participants in reality television shows, particularly in light of troubling experiences that are increasingly coming to light. While the creator of “Love is Blind” has asserted that participant safety remains a priority, emphasizing that cast members are not compelled to remain if they feel endangered, Poche’s allegations reveal potential gaps in this commitment.
The casting call in New Orleans reflects the ongoing popularity of reality television, even amid critical scrutiny. As Kinetic Content prepares for another season, participants are being encouraged to step forward with promises to explore meaningful relationships in unique and isolated circumstances.
As this lawsuit unfolds, it presents an essential moment for reflection on the responsibilities of production companies in safeguarding participants’ mental and emotional health, ensuring that experiences on reality television do not lead to lasting harm.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Love is Blind Casting Call
- Fox 8 Live: Love is Blind Casting in New Orleans
- 107.9 Ishot: Louisiana Contestant Suing Netflix
- KATC: Shoe Some Love
- Screen Rant: Love is Blind Season 4 Paul Explained
- Wikipedia: Love Is Blind
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
