The podcast discusses allegations and investigations into mistreatment, poor working conditions, and cover-ups in reality TV. It explores the experiences of contestants, including isolation and strict schedules. Participants expose the dark side of reality TV, including producer manipulation and unrealistic contracts. The limited access to basic necessities and constant availability of alcohol are also addressed. The podcast emphasizes the need for change in the industry, including fair contracts and mental health support.
32:15
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Quick takeaways
High-powered Hollywood attorneys allege mistreatment of reality stars, calling for legal action and potential industry changes.
Reality star Bethany Frankel advocates for a union, demanding fair pay, raises, and better terms to bridge the wealth disparity between show profits and cast earnings.
Deep dives
Claims of mistreatment on reality sets and potential lawsuit
Two high-powered Hollywood attorneys have sent a letter to NBC Universal, alleging a pattern of mistreatment of reality stars. The letter accuses NBC of applying cast members with alcohol, depriving them of food and sleep, and covering up acts of sexual violence. The lawyers have threatened legal action, which could bring significant changes to the reality TV industry.
Bethany Frankel's call for a reality TV union
Reality star Bethany Frankel, known for being an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York and her successful alcohol brand, Skinny Girl, is pushing for a union for reality stars. She proposes minimum pay of $5,000 per episode, seasonal raises, and residuals, among other terms. Frankel aims to address the significant wealth disparity between the shows' profits and the cast's earnings.
Nick's experience on Love Is Blind and the need for change
Nick Thompson, a contestant on Netflix's Love Is Blind, sheds light on the reality TV experience. He discusses the extreme isolation, lack of access to food and water, and the presence of alcohol. Nick emphasizes the need for basic labor protections, such as legal review of contracts, mental health support for contestants, and ethical production practices that do not exploit or harm participants. He co-founded the Ucan Foundation, advocating for change in the industry.
Allegations and complaints about working conditions, fair pay, and even covering up acts of sexual violence could force a reality TV reckoning. OG Housewife Bethenny Frankel is calling on her fellow colleagues to unionize, and last month NBCUniversal — home to such reality heavy hitters as The Real Housewives empire, and Vanderpump Rules — was sent a letter from two very high-powered attorneys investigating the "grotesque and depraved mistreatment" of its reality stars. How did we get here? sam breaks down the recent drama with legal reporter Claudia Rosenbaum. Then, he talks to someone who's seen it all firsthand: Nick Thompson, a contestant on Season Two of Netflix's Love Is Blind, who compared his experience of being on the show and finding his one true love... to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
ICYMI, Sam is guest hosting on Vox’s daily news show Today, Explained this week. Listen at https://bit.ly/texwsam.