Unhappy Contestants Eye Legal Action Against Netflix Over "Squid Game: The Challenge"
The line between entertainment and safety is a delicate one, and some participants in "Squid Game: The Challenge" think Netflix crossed it. The reality show, inspired by the popular series "Squid Game," has left its contestants with serious health repercussions.
Since its release on Netflix on November 22, the first five episodes of "Squid Game: The Challenge" have captivated viewers. However, two contestants claim they suffered injuries during the show's filming due to questionable safety standards. Enrichment data suggests that these allegations are not new; contestants had already raised concerns about harsh conditions during filming earlier in 2024.
A personal injury law firm, Express Solicitors, has taken up the contestants' case. The company asserts that the production company breached health and safety standards, risking the contestants' well-being in pursuit of entertainment. At the moment, the firm represents two contestants but is in contact with more potential claimants, gathering evidence and preparing for potential legal action.
The British tabloid "The Sun" previously reported that contestants endured temperatures as low as -3 degrees Celsius during filming, which lasted up to nine hours in freezing hangars. The Hollywood Reporter also highlighted that at least ten people collapsed during filming of a popular game from the original series. Netflix confirmed that three participants required medical treatment during filming.
Despite these controversies, the show continues to attract viewers, and the contestants' legal threat has yet to materialize into a lawsuit. However, the main dispute now revolves around the winner’s prize money. The victorious contestant, Mai Whelan, has voiced frustration about the delay in receiving her $4.56 million winnings, echoing the famous line from Jerry McGuire, "Show me the money."
As Netflix mulls over this issue, they may be compelled to reassess their entertainment strategy and place contestant safety at the forefront without compromising their content's appeal.
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Enrichment Data: Note that no lawsuits have been filed against Netflix by contestants appointed by Express Solicitors in January 2024. However, they did threaten legal action against Netflix and the production company for alleged physical injuries suffered during filming of "Squid Game: The Challenge" at Cardington Studios in Bedford. As of now, no lawsuit has been filed, according to Netflix's spokesperson, as reported by Deadline[1].
