Recently, Netflix reality show Love Is Blind has come under fire as contestant Tran Dang has filed a lawsuit against production companies Kinetic Content and Delirium TV, alleging sexual assault, false imprisonment, and negligence. Dang claims that she was aggressively recruited and intentionally sequestered for two weeks in the show’s pods by producers. She further alleges that she was attacked by her then on-screen fiancé Thomas Smith while filming in Mexico for the show’s fifth season.
According to Dang’s complaint, the production crew, who had 24-hour surveillance, was aware of the traumatic acts that took place. The lawsuit also claims that the producers attempted to mask Dang’s sexual assault by characterizing it as a lack of attraction on her part. Dang expressed her bafflement at the lack of intervention from anyone on set to stop the harassment. She reached out to an assistant producer, but was made to feel responsible for what had happened by not communicating effectively or taking the relationship seriously.
Dang eventually left Love Is Blind during filming and is seeking significant damages for the defendants’ criminal, tortious, and outrageous conduct. Both Dang and Smith are not featured in Love Is Blind’s fifth season, which premiered on September 22. The series, created by Kinetic CEO Chris Coelen, follows singles looking for love who get engaged without meeting in person.
Kinetic Content and Delirium TV have vehemently denied Dang’s allegations. In a joint statement, they stated that Dang’s claims are meritless and that they document the independent choices of consenting adults. They further asserted that the show is not scripted nor filmed around the clock. They claimed to have no knowledge or control over what happens in private living spaces when not filming and that participants are free to leave at any time. The production companies also emphasized that they take participants’ concerns seriously and prioritize their well-being.
Coelen, the show’s creator, also denied the assault claims, stating that Dang did not make any such claims during filming. He asserted that they would not have continued filming with someone who had reported an incident of assault. Dang’s lawyer, Ben Allen, disagreed with these statements and accused the producers of trying to delay the case with their legal maneuvers. He vowed to hold the show producers accountable and protect future reality show participants.
The lawsuit and the response from the producers have attracted significant attention in the media, shedding light on the reality behind unscripted TV. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the court will adjudicate the matter and whether additional evidence will emerge to support Dang’s claims.