‘Cringe’ & ‘Annoying’: ‘Love Is Blind’ Premiere Sparks Stir as Cast Member Makes the Show ‘Unwatchable’

On October 2, 2024, season 7 of the fan-favorite show, “Love Is Blind,” premiered on Netflix. Viewers who watched the episode expressed their displeasure via social media about one contestant, Leo Braudy. Most people had negative views and thoughts on him.

The reality show shared a clip on Instagram featuring Braudy, who was playing with a stool using his leg while seated on a couch. He repeatedly made smooching sounds at another cast member, Brittany Wisniewski, who was trying to nap on a nearby sofa.

Responding to Braudy’s behavior, she said, “I feel weird doing that back,” before she turned away from him and covered herself with a blanket. One Instagram user also disapproved of Braudy’s actions, “Leo is an annoying show off [sic]…”

Agreeing with the previous comment, another person stated, “He seems not a nice dude to be around, not even as a friend.” Seeing Braudy in a different light, a third Instagrammer wrote, “He scares me somehow.”

Replying to another post by the show that revealed Braudy’s Aries star sign, a viewer wrote, “Leo doesn’t deserve to be matched with anyone but himself and his money that he doesn’t wanna talk about but keeps preaching about!!! #LIB.”

Responding to the same post but focusing on Braudy and another contestant, Hannah Jiles, the show’s fan questioned, “Is it too early to say I can’t stand Hannah and Leo ??????” A reality television fan shared several short clips of Braudy discussing his wealth.

A follower thought his constant talk about being rich put him in a bad light, commenting, “So many red flags. No thanks. Big Ick.” Siding with the previous comment, someone confessed, “1 episode in, I cannot stand Leo 😩😩🤦🏻‍♀️.”

Even Reddit users joined the discussion, with one person poking fun at Braudy’s constant use of the word “like” in a conversation with Wisniewski. Sharing a transcript of Braudy’s dialogue, the OP captioned, “Leo *like* makes this season *like* unwatchable.”

A reader who was also a critic admitted, “I’m on episode one and I can’t handle him.” Agreeing with the person before, another commenter added, “He talks about how rich he is the entire episode omg he is cringe.”

Breaking away from the negative comments about Braudy, a Redditor with a different view said, “Really? I think he’s entertaining.”

According to Netflix’s background information on Braudy, he’s a 31-year-old art dealer described as “successful and sophisticated.” The reality show contestant spends his time running his family’s art dealing company, which continues to grow.

When he isn’t working, Braudy focuses on his spirituality, stating, “I’m really into yoga and meditating.” Speaking about his personality, he revealed, “I have a real crunchy part to me which people don’t often see day-to-day.”

Braudy’s ideal match is someone who can “vibe on the same level — and if she happens to laugh at his goofy jokes, even better.” He generally prefers “girly girls” but is open to different types to allow the show’s global dating experiment to work.

The contestant is on the show hoping to break the cycle of finding love through dating apps, bars, and superficial dates. He hopes to find someone “who values a meaningful connection.”

On the other hand, Wisniewski is a 33-year-old esthetician and a Cancerian. She’s an eco-conscious environmentalist who has collected 10,000 pounds of garbage with her Baltimore beach clean-up organization.

But, she doesn’t have much patience for trashy men. She’s looking for someone equally adventurous and once dated a rock star, confessing, “I’ve had a crazy, crazy life.” Wisniewski added, “My exes would describe me as a wild card because my interests change all the time.”

She also prefers older men, preferably a “blonde Viking with long hair.” Yet, what’s most important to her is someone who wants real commitment, is focused on the future, but also enjoys jet-setting and being stable at the same time.

Jiles, a 27-year-old Aquarian, works in medical device sales. When it comes to her dating life, Jiles’s lack of a filter can be a blessing or a curse, with her clarifying, “I’m a very honest person.”

She noted that her honesty sometimes comes off as heartless or rude, but it’s usually her way of looking out for people’s best interests. The contestant, who has a West Virginia drawl, defended herself by saying, “I really do have a kind heart.”

Jiles, a self-proclaimed country girl, has been single for three years and is ready to meet someone after realizing she wasn’t going to find the one while sitting comfortably on her couch. She hopes to find an ambitious man with whom she can form a soul connection.

The reality star’s ideal partner is someone who shares her communication style and is willing to be a dog father to her pet, Luna.

During a check-in interview with some “Love Is Blind” castmates, Braudy’s “screaming” breakup with Jiles in a pod came up. Jiles confessed that it had been “traumatic” and that she “blacked out.” She felt that people could relate to the moment when one tries to break up with someone, and they won’t let you.

The cast member thought such incidents were signs that one needed to get out of that relationship. When she discovered that Wisniewski had accepted Braudy’s proposal, Jiles informed her about what had happened with her former date.

Ultimately, Jiles felt it was Wisniewski’s choice and life, and she should do what she wants. Since filming together, Jiles hasn’t heard from Braudy, and when asked if there was anything she’d like to say to him, she joked, “How many Rolexes do you have maybe?”

Her reference to her co-star flaunting his wealth led other cast members — Taylor Krause, Marissa George, and Ashley Adionser — to laugh along.