OFF BEAT: Reality show producer sues blogger over spoilers

The producer of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” is suing “Reality Steve,” reportedly alleging that he has routinely run spoilers about the ABC television shows.

Stephen Carbone, also known as Reality Steve, regularly publishes updates and spoilers on various reality shows including “The Amazing Race,” “Jersey Shore” and “Survivor.”

The suit filed Tuesday in federal court in California by NZK Productions and Alternative Television Inc., alleges that Mr. Carbone obtains confidential information about “The Bachelor” series by contacting and soliciting information from cast and crew members and other employees of the series who have signed confidentiality agreements.

“Let's just say I'm very well aware of your contract…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,” the suit alleges Mr. Carbone wrote in one email seeking information about the programs.

The lawsuit appears to represent a change of heart by “Bachelor” executive producer Mike Fleiss, who described Mr. Carbon as a “goofball” in an interview earlier this year and said his spoilers often are incorrect.

In a statement on his website, Mr. Carbone quoted his attorney as stating, “There has in fact been no interference with your clients' participant contracts, and your assumption about alleged disclosures of information by any such participants as stated in your letter is incorrect.”

Plaintiffs are seeking $75,000 in damages.