Love Is Blind Star Nick Thompson's Shocking Confession, Predicts Homelessness
Nick Thompson reveals the harsh aftermath of his appearance on 'Love Is Blind' as he battles unemployment and imminent homelessness His struggle to secure a new job post-season 2 has left him feeling trapped and uncertain about his future
Love Is Blind contestant Nick Thompson is speaking out about the negative impact of being a reality TV star. Following the loss of his job last year, Nick revealed that he is facing significant challenges in finding new employment. He expressed his disappointment with Netflix, accusing them of exploiting both him and his fellow cast members. Nick further disclosed that he received a mere $10,000 for a duration of 10 weeks of filming.
In an interview published on Tuesday, August 1, he claimed, "When you consider the significant amount of money being earned and its potential for future seasons, along with the fact that anyone can view me, it's disheartening that I find myself on the verge of homelessness." He further shared, "I lost my job last November and depleted my savings, including cashing out my 401(k). With only two months of mortgage payments left in my bank, I am unable to secure employment as I am not taken seriously due to my reality TV background." Despite his five years of prior experience as a "VP in software," Nick finds his time on reality TV hindering his job search.
Throughout the filming of Love Is Blind, Nick expressed feeling as if he were a "prisoner" held captive by the producers, who had complete control over him around the clock. He made allegations stating that the cast members were constantly on camera for roughly 18 to 20 hours a day, yet received compensation below the minimum wage. (According to his estimation, he earned approximately $7.14 per hour, whereas the minimum wage in Illinois, where season 2 was filmed, was $8.50.)
Danielle Ruhl and Nick Thompson, seen here in a photo from Adam Rose/Netflix, explained that being on TV is not guaranteed, but they are constantly wearing a microphone from the moment they arrive in the morning until they leave. Additionally, once they return to their hotel room at the end of the day, they are confined without a key, wallet, money, or identification.
Nick insisted that the cast of Love Is Blind, who had a demanding work schedule during production, should be recognized as Netflix employees without any justification. Following his marriage to Danielle Ruhl on the show, the second season of Love Is Blind was broadcasted in 2022. Subsequently, Nick established the Unscripted Cast Advocacy Network, aiming to offer legal and mental health assistance to reality television personalities.
Nick Thompson and Danielle Ruhl Adrian S. Burrows Sr./Netflix
Nick, along with numerous other celebrities, has openly discussed his time on the show. In a shocking exposé by Business Insider, several former contestants recently came forward with accusations of mistreatment. Danielle, in particular, revealed that she experienced a panic attack while filming in Mexico and sought refuge in a closet to avoid the producers. She bravely shared, "I repeatedly informed them that I lacked self-confidence and had previously attempted suicide. I experienced suicidal thoughts and felt unable to persevere in this situation."
The report also alleged that contestants in the first season were compelled to sleep in cramped trailers filled with bunk beds for the 10 days spent dating in the pods. The men were crowded together in a single-room trailer, while the women occupied another. Some of the show's stars also claimed to have suffered from sleep deprivation and had limited access to food and water during filming.
Responding to the allegations, Kinetic Content, the production company responsible for the popular series, issued a statement to Variety. They asserted that the well-being of their participants is their utmost concern and mentioned that they have strict protocols in place to ensure the care of each individual before, during, and after filming.
