Is Renee Poche married? 'Love is Blind' star reveals 'unlawful talent agreement' of Netflix
HOUSTON, TEXAS: Renee Poche is a well-known contestant of 'Love is Blind' Season 5. The Texas-based home veterinarian has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and Delirium, citing 'unlawful practices' 'unfair competition' and 'intentional infliction of emotional distress'. Renee Poche revealed that she is now married to an 'undisclosed man' after breaking off her engagement with Carter Will.
Renee Poche met her current husband on a dating show, following the conclusion of the 'Love is Blind' filming.The engagement with Carter Wall, though filmed, was never aired. The lawsuit, filed on January 2, 2024, addresses what she describes as an 'overreaching and unlawful talent agreement,' restricting her from discussing her experience on the show.
The legal action was prompted by Delirium's arbitration initiation in November 2023, accusing Renee of violating the non-disclosure agreement by discussing it publicly. Delerium's lawsuit seeks an exorbitant $4 million from Renee, a move she perceives as an attempt to financially ruin her. In an interview with Variety, Renne explained "My experience on 'Love is Blind' was traumatic. I felt like a prisoner and had no support when I let Delerium know that I didn't feel safe." Renne believes that Delerium is attempting to silence the behind-the-scenes abuse. To represent her, she has enlisted the services of powerhouse attorneys Mark Geragos and Bryan Freedman.
Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos, Renee's lawyers, told Variety that the contracts provided to reality stars are on the verge of being "illegal". "These so-called reality TV contracts are, in reality, illegal," commented Bryan Freedman. He added, "They are intended for an illegal purpose and are therefore void under the law. We have hundreds of clients who are willing to assert their claims."
Renee Poche also detailed how the production staff confiscated her driver's license, cell phone, and passport, confining her to a hotel room. These allegations underscore the insensitivity and lack of safety in the circumstances Renee faced, where basic rights were denied based on a contract. According to Bryan Freedman, contracts designed to silence workplace negligence serve as a license to inflict emotional and financial havoc for an extended period.
Is Netflix trying to financially 'ruin' Renee Poche for speaking out?
Renee Poche spoke openly about her 'traumatic' experience in 'Love is Blind' to multiple media outlets. She recounted being compelled to spend time with Carter Will, even when she felt "unsafe" doing so. According to her, Delirium initiated arbitration against her on November 1, 2023, alleging various breaches of her nondisclosure agreement, seeking $4 million in penalties. Renee claimed that both Delirium and Netflix are attempting to financially ruin her for speaking out against unsafe working conditions. Despite only earning $8,000 for her participation, she is now facing a $4 million lawsuit.
Was 'Love is Blind' Season 6 stars Renee Poche and Carter Will forcefully engaged?
Renee Poche and Carter Will were featured in the fifth installment of Netflix's dating show. Despite getting engaged on the show, their relationship came to an end shortly after. Interestingly, Netflix chose not to air their engagement, leaving fans surprised. After the season concluded, Renee shared insights into their breakup in an interview with Pop Sugar.
She revealed, "We did go all the way to [the] altar, but we did not get married. We fell in love with each other in the pods. We were very excited about everything, and things went well in Mexico as well. We were always very pleasant, funny, happy, and enjoyed each other's company. But once we got back to Houston and back to the real world, I started noticing things that I ignored or blew off that were red flags I should have picked up on. And eventually, I did say 'no' at the altar."
Renee pointed out that Netflix had promised background checks on the individuals, but none were conducted. Carter Wall, her unfortunate match, was unemployed with a negative bank balance, homeless, a drug addict, violent, and estranged from his family. Renee felt scared to be left alone with Carter due to his "alarming behavior and emotional instability." She claimed she was forced to spend extended periods with him and was threatened with legal action by the production team if she didn't proceed with the engagement or left the show.
What are the other lawsuits against 'Love is Blind'?
Not only Renee Poche, but other contestants have also filed lawsuits against the production of 'Love is Blind' and Netflix. In 2022, Tran Dang, a contestant from 'Love is Blind' Season 5, sued production company Delerium TV and Kinetic Content, as well as her show partner. She claimed her then-fiancé assaulted her, and the producers' misconduct compromised her security and safety.
Similarly, in 2022, Jeremy Hartwell, a cast member from Season 2, filed a lawsuit against Netflix, Kinetic Content, and Delerium TV, alleging various California labor law violations. According to his lawsuit, cast members faced a $50,000 penalty for breaching the signed NDA if they left the show prematurely.
For the latest installment of the unique dating series, tune in to Netflix.
'Love is Blind' Season 6 is set to release on February 14, 2024.