Love Is Blind viewers were left speechless after a contestant on the Netherlands spin-off shared controversial racial preferences during a date. The reality series follows 30 singles as they date each other sight unseen, with the option to propose before ever seeing one another, testing whether love truly is blind.
In the new Dutch series, an interaction between 32-year-old sous chef Jurriaan, who is white, and 26-year-old functional specialist Mika, who is Black, drew significant backlash. Earlier in the show, Mika told the camera that the blind dating was 'going really great' and that she wasn't 'saying anything about [her] appearance' to anyone. She explained that she is 'Eritrean' with African roots, adding that 'because of that, people will sometimes assume things about me that aren't true.'
Controversial comments during a pod date
While dating in the pods, Jurriaan told Mika he was interested in meeting someone 'based on character' and that this 'seemed like a beautiful experiment.' However, during a later date, when Mika asked if he had a type he wouldn't be 'into at all,' Jurriaan hesitantly replied: 'Yeah, um, how should I say this… I wouldn't, um, I wouldn't fall for a fully Black woman.'
Mika responded that it 'shouldn't matter if [she is] white, Black, green or purple,' but Jurriaan did not appear fully convinced. Speaking to the camera, Mika shared: 'It hits me pretty hard because I've been rejected for that in the past, that people might have had a certain prejudice against me, maybe they have a certain idea because I have a different skin colou. That doesn't work for me.'
Fan outrage and engagement twist
The comments sparked widespread criticism online. 'I'm gonna need these folk, who aren't open to dating other races, to stay off Love Is Blind,' NekieNek wrote on X. 'Maybe they should screen people better,' poetictannies said. 'Why are you on the show if race mattered this much ?!?!?' BonDaShaun added. 'Then why are you on a show called LOVE IS BLIND,' TatianaIslands echoed.
Despite the controversy, Mika and Jurriaan decided to get engaged after the conversation. Jurriaan later said he had sought counsel from his friends and realised 'in principle it wasn't a problem.' He added that his 'opinions and feelings' about her hadn't changed and praised her 'beautiful and warm heart,' revealing that he is 'one-sixth Indonesian' so he 'doesn't consider it a big issue.'
Love Is Blind Netherlands is available to stream on Netflix. The show is still airing weekly, so it remains to be seen whether the couple will make it down the aisle.
