Netflix faces trouble as show participants demand compensation

The reality show "Squid Game: The Challenge," based on a popular Korean series, is causing issues for Netflix. Several participants are demanding compensation for injuries incurred during the filming of the program.

"Squid Game: The Challenge" offered a hefty prize money of $4.56 million. The plot revolves around 456 contestants competing for this sum. Controversial reports about medical interventions needed on set due to frequent participants' fainting surfaced even before the show's premiere.

Shot in the United Kingdom, the first challenge, known as "Red Light, Green Light," eliminated 229 out of 456 contestants. Despite appearing to last only five minutes on Netflix, the recording took hours. This is due to extended breaks between the songs when players are required to stand still, increasing from two minutes to up to 15.

Contestants reportedly endured harsh conditions, with temperatures dropping to 28°F. One anonymous participant quoted in "Variety" stated, "If they had informed us about the cold, nobody would have participated." Another player added, "Conditions were inhumane, having nothing to do with the game."

Now, Netflix could be facing legal trouble as two participants are seeking compensation from the production company, Studio Lambert, claiming they suffered from injuries like hypothermia and nerve damage due to substandard safety measures on set. The British law firm Express Solicitors is representing both.

"We have made claims on behalf of the program's participants. We have heard that the show's creators may have overstepped safety protocols in the quest for entertainment. Production companies must ensure that safety standards on their sets do not jeopardize people's health," stated Daniel Slade, the general director of the law firm.

The law firm is gathering more evidence and may initiate a lawsuit if necessary. While representing two participants, they are also connecting with other potential complainants.

Netflix, in response, released an official statement asserting that they prioritize the health and safety of the show's contestants and crew. Although they acknowledged the cold conditions on set, they argued that the participants were prepared for it.

"We offered the largest prize in television history. Thus, winning $4.56 million would never be a walk in the park. While the show did have challenging moments, and I wouldn't have wanted to eat in the dormitory for the rest of my life if I had participated, I still believe the show was a more pleasant and easier experience compared to most live broadcasts," commented Executive Producer Stephen Lambert in an interview with the "Hollywood Reporter".