Demand for Compensation from the Production Company
Participants of the reality show 'Squid Game: The Challenge,' modeled after the Netflix drama 'Squid Game,' are claiming they were injured during filming and are pursuing legal action against the production company. Netflix and the production company have not issued any statements regarding the matter.
"Suffering from hypothermia"... Participants demand compensation from the production company
On the 23rd (local time), according to the US entertainment media The Hollywood Reporter and others, recently the UK law firm Express Solicitors sent a compensation claim to Studio Lambert, the production company of 'Squid Game: The Challenge,' on behalf of two participants.
Daniel Slade, CEO of the law firm, released a statement saying, "Due to poor health and safety standards on set, participants suffered injuries such as hypothermia and nerve damage," and added, "They were pushed beyond the limits of safety under the guise of entertainment."
In an interview with British media, he explained, "The participants thought they were taking part in something fun and did not expect to endure such suffering. One of our clients described seeing someone faint and people calling for medical staff, while another said they were given ill-fitting clothes despite the cold weather."
The law firm stated that sending this claim is the first step, and after gathering additional evidence, they will file a lawsuit if necessary. They also added that they are contacting other potential claimants who may have been harmed.
However, Netflix and Studio Lambert did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the program told a media outlet, "No participant has filed a lawsuit," and "We place great importance on the welfare of the participants."
Executive producer Steven Lambert recently responded to claims of injuries during filming in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, "We offered the largest prize in TV competition history, and winning the $4.56 million (approximately 5.928 billion KRW) prize is by no means easy," adding, "But compared to countless unscripted survival shows or many successful shows in the US and worldwide, it was much better."
"Inhumane"... Complaints from participants surged earlier this year as well
Participants are waiting to take part in the games in the Netflix reality show "Squid Game: The Challenge." [Image provided by Netflix]
The program was filmed at a studio in the UK last January. At that time, foreign media reported that during filming, participants were left exposed to subzero temperatures for extended periods, resulting in numerous injuries.
One participant said, "We were tortured for as long as eight hours in the cold," adding, "Not even animals would be treated like that." They further stated, "We understand the show has to be tough, but it felt inhumane."
Another participant said, "The conditions were absolutely inhumane and had nothing to do with the game." There were also claims that participants were not allowed to use the restroom during filming and were not properly provided with water and food.
Meanwhile, Netflix released the first five episodes of this reality show on the 22nd.
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