The debut season of Netflix’s French reality TV show ‘Don’t Hate The Player’ presents a peculiar and demanding challenge from the beginning. Without rules or guidelines, participants vie for the grand prize of 150,000 euros, exclusively attainable by securing a place in the coveted villa. Those unable to do so endure the hardships of camp life in less-than-optimal conditions. The 15 contestants who entered the inaugural season displayed fierce competitiveness, each driven to claim victory and the potentially life-altering prize money. Their diverse personalities and conflicting motivations created an engaging viewing experience for audiences.
Paula Works as a Digital Creator
Paula initially struggled to find her place in the game on ‘Don’t Hate The Player,’ but once she did, she proved herself worthy of victory. Joining forces with Thibault, Benjamin, Emia, and Inès, she navigated the show’s challenges. While adjusting to the camp’s living conditions was tough, Paula persevered. Despite feeling left out when her friends moved to the villa, she eventually earned her spot there. In the showdown against Jessica, Paula made the intelligent choice and offered to share the 150,000 euro cash prize with Jessica rather than go home with nothing in her hands.
Paula, a digital creator residing in Bali, epitomizes a free lifestyle with her penchant for luxurious vacations. She indulges in stylish escapades from Sweden to Spain while maintaining a strong social conscience. Active in humanitarian causes, she leverages her platform to raise funds for crises like Palestine. In addition to her advocacy work, Paula embraces physical fitness, regularly practicing boxing to stay in top shape. Balancing her activism with leisure, she surrounds herself with a supportive circle of female friends, creating a fulfilling and dynamic life for herself.
Jessica Runs an Event Management Company
Jessica emerged as the unexpected victor of ‘Don’t Hate The Player,’ opting to split the 150,000 euro prize with Paula, her fellow contestant. As a latecomer to the show, she faced the challenge of navigating pre-established alliances and group dynamics. Jessica exercised caution, keeping her strategies close to her chest. Despite spending considerable time in the camp, she defied the odds and strategically aligned herself to secure her path to victory. Her resilience and strategic thinking earned her the admiration of her fellow contestants, solidifying her status as a deserving contender for the coveted title.
Jessica, equipped with an MBA, brings a wealth of experience in branding and marketing to the table, having ventured into entrepreneurship with her own event management company. A seasoned presenter, she’s dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle, sharing insights into nutrition and PNL coaching after her dietician certification. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jessica’s passion for automobiles fuels her competitive spirit, as she actively participates in racing. Residing in Geneva, Switzerland, she occasionally graces the modeling world, collaborating with esteemed photographers like Benjy Rich, enriching her multifaceted persona.
Thibault Damians is Professionally a Video Creator
Thibault Damians emerged as a powerhouse contender in the competition, relentlessly pursuing victory. Spearheading the dominant alliance early on, he cemented his position in the villa, showcasing prowess and leadership skills. His romantic entanglement with Inès added depth to his gameplay, further solidifying his influence. Despite his strategic acumen, Thibault’s aggressive approach garnered him adversaries within the game, ultimately leading to his elimination on the brink of the finals.
Thibault is not just a video creator but a tranquility seeker in a bustling world. Venturing across Asia, Mexico, and Japan in recent years, he immerses himself in diverse cultures, finding solace in their unique offerings. A candid reflection reveals his transformation from a social butterfly to a mindful traveler, prioritizing self-care and introspection over late-night revelries. Now, rooted in Bali, he envisions fostering a vibrant community of artists, embracing a quieter, purposeful existence. With plans to relocate his feline companions and embark on a new chapter, Thibault exemplifies the quest for personal growth amidst life’s adventures.
Emia is a Server Today
Emia started her journey with promising alliances, forging bonds with Paula and Inès and securing her spot in the strong group. However, her ascent to the villa was met with an unexpected twist when she was chosen to return to the camp. Discontent simmered as Emia grappled with feelings of isolation and neglect, navigating the harsh realities of camp life. Despite the challenges, her resilience shone through, propelling her to the semifinals. With a newfound voice in the final vote, Emia felt powerful that she got a say in the most climactic moments in the season.
Emia, now 26, has carved out a vibrant life in Nashville, Tennessee, far from her roots in France. Balancing her job as a server with her aspirations, she remains deeply connected to her family, especially her sister and beloved niece and nephew. Embracing her independence, Emia shares her journey with her partner, Danny, cultivating a tight-knit circle of friends with whom they often spend their leisure time. Witnessing Emia’s spirited pursuit of her dreams is a testament to her zest for life and unwavering determination.
Ines Mèlas is Now a Digital Creator
Inès Mèlas emerged as a force to be reckoned with right from the outset of the series. Spotting an opportunity to showcase her power, she fearlessly took on challengers in duels, effortlessly dispatching competitors like Jordan and Olivanie with finesse. With each victory, Inès’s influence within the group soared, cementing her status as a serious contender. However, tensions simmered as alliances shifted, leading Inès to question the loyalty of her close friend Emia. Despite her strategic maneuvers, Inès’s journey was abruptly halted on the brink of the semifinals, leaving her thwarted in her quest for victory.
Inès has carved out a distinct niche as a digital creator, captivating audiences with her vibrant persona and globetrotting adventures. With a sizable following, she shares her escapades to enchanting destinations like Japan, Mexico, and Tunisia, offering glimpses into her lifestyle. Beyond her online presence, Inès is a sought-after model, lending her striking features to collaborations with esteemed photographers and renowned brands such as Calvin Klein and luxury hotel chains like Le Marais. Splitting her time between Paris and Réunion Island, she embodies the epitome of a fitness and lifestyle influencer, embodying the essence of the aspirational lifestyle she champions.
Hugo Cieravola is a Model
Hugo Cieravola brought his A-game to the competition, entering with a strategic mindset alongside Jessica. Unswayed by others, he stayed true to his principles, unafraid to engage in heated debates, even if it meant ruffling a few feathers. However, his unwavering stance led to his elimination in the semifinals. Beyond the show, Hugo thrives as a model and fitness influencer on Instagram, where his dedication to health and wellness shines through. Collaborating closely with renowned photographer Yann Bader in Paris, he continues to carve his career path, leaving an indelible mark with each endeavor.
Leslie Keeps a Low Profile
Leslie emerged as a contender with a clear vision from the outset, swiftly forming alliances and delineating her allegiances. While her peers basked in the villa’s luxuries, Leslie took bold steps, breaching its gates to pave the way for her comrades. However, as the game approached its climax, faced with a pivotal decision to sacrifice a villa inhabitant for a deduction of 50,000 euros from the prize money, she weighed the risks of inaction. Yet, her calculated gamble was met with betrayal, as fellow contestants implicated her, abruptly halting her journey. Preferring to a life veiled in anonymity, Leslie retreats from the spotlight and embraces the shadows of obscurity.
Nathalie is a Mother to Two Daughters
Nathalie exemplified integrity and compassion throughout her journey on the show. Moved by Anthony’s plight and his urgent need for prize money to aid his father’s treatment, she selflessly offered to trade her place with him, only to be denied the opportunity. Witnessing deceit and betrayal among her peers, she remained steadfast in her honesty, refusing to succumb to manipulation, even when faced with Thibault’s advances. Despite her resilience, Nathalie’s path to the semifinals was abruptly halted by Thibault and Paula’s scheming. Throughout her tenure, she remained resolute in her motivation, driven by the desire to provide for her daughters and uphold a legacy of integrity, even in defeat.
Lucas Mahaux Works as a Personal Trainer Today
Lucas played a pivotal role as Thibault’s trusted ally throughout the season, with Thibault expressing his intention to reach the finals alongside him. Together, they exerted significant influence over the villa dynamics in the early stages, shaping critical game trajectory decisions. However, during a crucial challenge requiring contestants to construct and transport a cube structure, Lucas faltered, failing to complete the task within the allotted time and subsequently facing elimination. He channels his passion for fitness as a personal trainer and coach while spearheading his diet and workout app, Hobreach. With a fervent dedication to bodybuilding and fitness, the 24-year-old is poised for further success in his burgeoning career.
Dypsy Loyal Has Found Employment as a Model
Dypsy Loyal initially forged a strong alliance with Thibault, Benjamin, and Lucas, forming part of a tight-knit group vying for control within the villa. Dedicated to the alliance’s goals, Dypsy consistently prioritized their collective success in his decision-making. However, during a crucial duel against fellow alliance member Paula, Dypsy narrowly missed the mark, failing to secure victory by a small margin—a disappointment to his comrades. Transitioning from his previous football career, Dypsy now thrives as a model, offering his services for various bookings and projects. Guided by his devout Christian beliefs, he leads his life according to these principles, which shape his personal and professional endeavors. He has kept the rest of the aspects of his life private.
Benjamin “Ben” Carter is a DJ and Music Producer
Benjamin “Ben” Carter emerged as a natural leader right from the onset of the competition, rallying the male contestants to ally with Anthony at the helm. Despite spending considerable time in the camp, he remained undeterred, actively recruiting allies and strategizing to strengthen their position. However, during his elimination, he attempted to sway Nathalie by appealing to her compassionate side, offering her a safety net. Yet, Nathalie’s resolve remained unyielding, leading to Benjamin’s elimination. While disappointed, Benjamin accepted the outcome, acknowledging the risks he took and the consequences that followed.
Benjamin continues to dazzle in his realm of beats and rhythms as a Musical Producer and DJ. Represented by the esteemed Isabelle Nicolas, he graces stages across France, his winter tour culminating on February 2, 2024. But rest assured, another tour is already in the pipeline, teasing fans with anticipation. Beyond the decks, Benjamin’s creative spirit thrives, which is evident in his recent release ‘Jabali,’ a collaboration with SIROB under the label Proximity, soaring to newfound fame. Amidst his musical conquests, he finds solace in globetrotting, a perk of his profession, having serenaded crowds at esteemed festivals like the Neon and Paranormal Festivals.
Olivanie is an Established Content Creator
Olivanie quickly captured viewers’ hearts with her infectious humor and irresistible charisma, earning her a spot as one of the most beloved contestants of the season. Her quick wit and sharp instincts saved her from numerous close calls to elimination, showcasing her ability to think on her feet under pressure. However, her luck took a turn when she opted not to switch her box with Ines during a crucial challenge, leading to her eventual elimination from the competition.
She expressed regret that she could never make her way into the villa. Olivanie has found success as a famous content creator, boasting about 110k followers on Instagram and maintaining an active presence on YouTube, sharing glimpses of her life adorned in the most stunning outfits imaginable.
Clemence B-Idee is Now a Restaurant Manager
Clemence B-Idee formed a strong bond with Leslie, and their unwavering support for each other was evident throughout the competition. Clemence remained resilient despite enduring hardships in the camp, including a heated argument with Benjamin over his game tactics. However, their alliance was tested when Leslie ultimately chose Clemence for an elimination duel, leading to her departure. Outside the competition, Clemence leads as a restaurant manager and indulges her passion for travel, seeking adventure in destinations like Cuba, Rome, and Ibiza, where she embraces the thrill of exploration and discovery.
Jordan Lecordier Derives His Strength From the Community
Jordan Lecordier entered the game with high spirits and a commitment to his principles. In the initial camp mission, he chose to ally with Olivanie as a gesture of support. However, when faced with nominating one of them for an elimination duel, Jordan was on the losing end against Inès, eliminating him from the competition. Jordan, a graduate of Per-Jakez Hélias College and the Chamber of Trades CFA of Vannes resides in Ploërmel, France. Despite being unemployed, he leads a fulfilling life wrapped up in his travels. Alongside his pursuits, Jordan actively advocates for social causes, mainly supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and disability rights. Surrounded by a supportive network of friends, Jordan finds fulfillment in positively impacting society.
Anthony Jomeau is Currently a Fitness Coach
Anthony Jomeau’s brief appearance on the season left a lasting impression. As the leader of the boys’ alliance, he wielded considerable influence, securing advantageous positions for his friends in the villa from the outset. However, his plans took an unexpected turn when Olivanie outsmarted him in the initial competition, leading to his elimination. Anthony’s motivation to win was deeply personal—he hoped to use the prize money to support his father’s cancer treatment and provide for his young son. Despite his fitness and sports coach role, Anthony also reveals his softer side through his passion for painting and sketching in his spare time.
Read More: Olivanie: Don’t Hate the Player Star is an Aspiring Content Creator