In one of the biggest stories about the underbelly of reality television, the producers of The Bachelor are suing the show’s biggest spoiler, claiming that Reality Steve is attempting to have contestants break their agreements of confidentiality.
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in California federal court by NZK Productions and Alternative Television, Inc.
The complaint targets Stephen Carbone, who runs a website entitled realitysteve.com, which regularly publishes updates and spoilers on shows.
Carbone is accused of obtaining confidential information about the Bachelor series by contacting and soliciting information from participants, cast, crew, and other employees of the series.
They cite a purported e-mail from him on November 17 to a participant on The Bachelor. It reads:
“Let me just say, I’m very well aware of your contract. I also know that over 500 contestants have been on this show and not one of them has ever been sued for the $5 million. It’s just a scare tactic. Trust me. Just like they had no idea you sent me that last email, they’ll have no idea about any correspondence either. I know you’re scared and a little paranoid by it, but don’t be. Unless they are hacking your email or tapping your phone, there’s absolutely no way for them to find out.”