Squid Game: The Challenge Contestants Threaten to Sue Netflix Over Injuries
Netflix was threatened with a lawsuit by two of it’s game show contestants from Squid Game: The Challenge.
Two contestants from the popular Netflix game show, Squid Game: The Challenge, have expressed their concerns and are considering legal action against the streaming site and its producers due to injuries they claim to have suffered.
According to the participants, they experienced “hypothermia” and “nerve damage” during the filming that took place in Bedfordshire, at the Cardington Studios, a former Air Force base, coinciding with the UK’s coldest period.
Express Solicitors, a personal injuries law firm representing the unnamed players, stated that their clients were not aware of the potential health risks involved in crouching for extended periods in cold temperatures.
These allegations arose from the contestants’ participation in the show’s opening game, known as Red Light, Green Light.
In this game, players had to dash towards a designated line while a 13.7ft (4.2m) doll sang and faced the wall. However, they were required to freeze as soon as the doll rotated its neck to look at them.
An automated system was in place, with multiple adjudicators identifying and eliminating players caught moving during the game.
Netflix has officially confirmed that three of the 456 contestants received medical attention while filming the show.
However, the streaming giant has denied injury allegations, stating the “claims of serious injury are untrue.”
“Call for a medic”
Express Solicitors’ CEO, Daniel Slade, expressed his concern by saying, “The contestants believed they were signing up for a fun experience, and they certainly didn’t expect to suffer the way they did.”
“Unfortunately, they have been left with injuries after enduring painful and stressful positions in freezing temperatures.”
According to Slade, one of their clients described witnessing someone faint and hearing people calling out for medical assistance.
He added, “We have a case where a contestant complains of hypothermia, and another individual’s hands turned purple due to the extreme cold.”
The game show, based on the Korean drama, brings together participants from around the world, all vying for a chance to win a staggering cash prize of $4.56 million (£3.64 million).
The original Korean series took the world by storm in 2021.
It revolved around a group of financially struggling individuals who play a deadly version of children’s games in hopes of winning a large sum of money.
The Korean show garnered immense popularity, captivating 143 million households and accumulating a staggering 1.65 billion viewing hours within the first 28 days.
Addressing concerns surrounding the contestants’ well-being, a spokesperson for the game show stated, “None of the Squid Game contestants have filed any lawsuits.”
They further emphasized the show’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its contestants, stating, “We place immense importance on ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.”
The Health and Safety Executive of Netflix concluded that proper risk management planning was necessary for future production, and no further action was required.