A viral TikTok has sparked a legal battle tied to one of Netflix’s biggest reality franchises.
A contestant from Love Is Blind Season 10 Cast is suing a Columbus woman for defamation after she accused him of sexual assault in videos that quickly spread across social media.
The case is now moving through an Ohio court — and it’s already impacting both his career and the show’s promotional cycle.
What Happened?
According to court filings in Franklin County, Ohio, Steven Sunday — identified publicly as a Season 10 cast member — has filed a defamation lawsuit against a Columbus woman following allegations she posted on TikTok and Instagram.
In her video, which reportedly gained close to one million views, the woman alleged that Sunday sexually assaulted her and recorded sexual activity without her consent.
She did not file a police report at the time of the alleged incident.
In his lawsuit, Sunday denies the allegations and claims that the encounter was consensual, including the recording. He asserts that he stopped recording when she asked him to.
The complaint further alleges that additional social media claims — including accusations that he was drugging women — are false and damaging.
The Legal Claims
Sunday’s lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for defamation, emotional distress, and lost income.
The filing states that the viral allegations have already “irreparably damaged” his ability to participate in promotional activities related to Love Is Blind Season 10.
He also claims he has been placed on leave from his commission-based job at an insurance company, significantly affecting his income.
A hearing in the case is scheduled for later this month.
As of now, the allegations remain civil matters in court. No criminal charges have been announced in connection with the claims.
Why This Matters for ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 10
The controversy arrives at a sensitive moment for Netflix and the Love Is Blind franchise.
Over the past several seasons, the dating experiment — where singles form connections without seeing each other — has faced scrutiny over contestant welfare, editing practices, and post-show disputes.
Love Is Blind Season 10 Cast was expected to generate fresh buzz, especially with a new city backdrop and evolving format elements. Instead, this lawsuit could shift public attention away from the romantic storylines and toward legal drama.
For reality television, viral allegations can move faster than official statements — and often shape public perception long before courts weigh in.
The Power — and Risk — of Viral Accusations
This case underscores a growing tension in the social media era: how allegations shared online can escalate into legal disputes within hours.
Platforms like TikTok amplify personal stories rapidly, sometimes reaching millions before formal investigations begin. For public figures — including reality TV contestants — reputational damage can occur almost instantly.
At the same time, legal experts frequently note that defamation cases hinge on complex standards of proof. Courts must determine whether statements were false, presented as fact, and caused measurable harm.
The outcome of this lawsuit could carry implications beyond this single case, especially as reality television participants become more exposed in the digital age.
Background on ‘Love Is Blind’
Since its debut in 2020, Love Is Blind has become one of Netflix’s most-watched unscripted series. The show’s premise — emotional connection before physical attraction — has fueled both heartfelt engagements and headline-making breakups.
Contestants often gain significant social media followings overnight. With that visibility comes scrutiny.
In recent years, reality franchises across networks have faced lawsuits and public disputes involving cast members. Industry observers say production companies now operate in an environment where online narratives can shape a season’s public image before episodes even air.
A Developing Story
It’s important to emphasize that these are allegations and counterclaims presented in a civil lawsuit. The court process will determine how the claims are evaluated legally.
Neither Netflix nor representatives for the production have publicly detailed how the matter may affect Season 10’s rollout.
For viewers, the situation adds an unexpected layer to a show built on vulnerability and trust.
For the industry, it serves as another reminder that reality television doesn’t end when filming wraps — especially in an era where social media can turn private disputes into public spectacles overnight.
As the case proceeds, more details may emerge in court filings and hearings scheduled later this month.
Until then, the story surrounding Love Is Blind Season 10 remains as dramatic off-screen as it often is on-screen.
And for fans of the franchise, the question now isn’t just who says “I do” — but how this legal battle could shape the season’s future.
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