A number of contestants on the Netflix reality series 'Squid Game: The Challenge' have issued legal threats against Studio Lambert, the production company of the program, on account of injuries sustained during the competition.
According to multiple news outlets in June 2022, Netflix was in the process of adapting the critically acclaimed South Korean series 'Squid Game' for reality television.
'Squid Game: The Challenge' Faces Controversy
Visitors walk past a poster of the series Squid Game at the booth of Netflix on the grounds of the Gamescom video game fair in Cologne, western Germany, on August 23, 2023. According to the organisers, around 1,100 exhibitors from 53 countries will be presenting their products during the fair running until August 27, 2023.
'Squid Game: The Challenge' would feature 456 competitors vying for the largest financial prize in reality television history, $4.56 million. Naturally, the new competition series would not omit the fatality portion from its recreations of drama series events.
However, the British personal injury firm Express Solicitors announced on Thanksgiving Day that it represents participants seeking compensation for injuries sustained during the reality competition filming, which is based on the hit drama series Squid Game, as per to IGN.
CEO Daniel Slade of Express Solicitors stated, "We have sent letters of claim on behalf of contestants injured in this show. From what we've been told, they pushed the boundaries of safety in the name of entertainment. Production companies need to ensure that health and safety standards on their shows don't leave people at risk of harm."
According to the firm, participants suffered injuries such as hypothermia and nerve damage due to poor health and safety standards on set. Anonymous contestants revealed that the filming conditions for the show's first episode's 'Red Light, Green Light' game were harsh, lasting hours in freezing winter temperatures.
One participant described the experience as "like a warzone," where medics were attending to people, but speaking out would result in elimination from the competition. Although no lawsuit has been filed, Express Solicitors represents two participants and communicates with others.
The Challenge is a reality show spin-off of Netflix's Squid Game, featuring 456 players competing for a reward of $4.56 million. The show has faced criticism for its portrayal as a shallow and, at times, gross reality show despite being entertaining.
Express Solicitors alleges that contestants faced severe conditions during the filming, including prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures and inadequate clothing.
Slade added, "Contestants thought they were participating in something fun, and those injured did not expect to suffer as they did. Now they have been left with injuries after spending time being stuck in painful stress positions in cold temperatures," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Read Also: UK Warns Residents To Prepare for Arctic Blast That Could Cause Sub-Zero Temperatures
Studio Lambert Defends Safety Amid Squid Game
Studio Lambert, the producer of Squid Game, The Challenge, underscored the criticality of on-set welfare and safety. Executive producer John Hay stated, "Welfare and safety are paramount for us. And we've taken appropriate measures to look after people."
However, the contestants' claims include instances of hypothermia, nerve damage, and ill-fitting clothing, raising concerns about the adequacy of the safety measures taken during production. Express Solicitors is gathering evidence and will proceed with a lawsuit if necessary.
Despite the controversy surrounding the show, Netflix released the first five episodes of Squid Game: The Challenge, receiving mixed reviews with a 42 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and an even lower 22 percent among viewers.
In response to the potential legal action, a spokesperson for Squid Game: The Challenge stated, "No lawsuit has been filed by any of the Squid Game contestants. We take the Welfare of our contestants extremely seriously."
In February, the show faced an independent safety inspection after medical incidents on set during the filming of the opening game.
Britain's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reminded producers to plan correctly for risk, ultimately deciding that no further action was necessary. The legal battle now looms as participants seek accountability for the alleged injuries suffered during the intense competition, Deadline reported.
Related Article: NASA's Psyche Spacecraft Sends 'First Light,' a Laser Beam Signal From 10 Million Miles Away
