Love on the Spectrum creator addresses backlash over sending James on so many speed dates
Viewers were 'concerned' that James looked 'uncomfortable' during the dating events
The creator of Love on the Spectrum has addressed the backlash over sending James on so many speed dates each season, after viewers aired their concerns about him seeing uncomfortable at a neurotypical dating event.
Cian O’Clery spoke out about the concerns of viewers during an interview with Vanity Fair, explaining more about why they chose to send James on so many speed dates throughout each season of Love on the Spectrum.
He explained: “First I’ll talk about James going speed dating, because some people have said online, ‘What are the producers doing sending James to a neurotypical speed dating event?’
“Firstly, that’s an ableist comment. James goes to speed dating events all the time, and he goes to mainstream speed dating events. That’s what he does.
“So it was important for us to tell that story because it’s a big part of his search for love, right? That’s the truth of his story.”
Alongside James, Cian also opened up more about how the dates in Love on the Spectrum are organised, revealing: “In terms of the matches that we find for people, we talk to the people themselves.
“With each individual, we’re telling their story. We’re not telling a generic autism story. We’re telling James’s story, we’re telling Pari’s story, we’re telling Madison’s story.
“We work with them and what they think—what kind of person they think would be a good match, what kind of person might be on a similar wavelength to them.
“Sometimes that’s someone who’s neurotypical. Sometimes that’s someone who’s autistic. Sometimes it’s somebody with Down syndrome. It’s about working with them in terms of what is best for them.”
He continued: “Having said that, we are the matchmakers, which, I guess, is a unique thing. We wouldn’t have been able to make the show without being matchmakers because we’re following so many people who haven’t dated much.
“It’s a non-scientific art. And we’re not mismatching people. We’re not trying to create conflict or drama. Don’t ask me how so many matches happened this season. It’s unbelievable.”
For all the latest reality TV cast member news, scandals, gossip and updates – like Reality Shrine on Facebook.