Netflix's reality competition series Squid Game: The Challenge - inspired by the 2021 Korean drama phenomenon - has been hit by allegations from former contestants.
As reported first by Deadline, two contestants are threatening legal action against Netflix and the show's producers, alleging injuries sustained during filming. This development comes after a staggering 456 participants competed in games familiar from the original show in a bid to win a life-changing $4.56 million (£3.7 million). This marks the largest lump-sum up for grabs as part of a reality show.
Express Solicitors - a UK-based personal injury law firm - represents the unnamed contestants who claim to have suffered hypothermia and nerve damage while taking part in the show. These injuries reportedly occurred while filming the iconic 'Red Light, Green Light' game in sub-zero temperatures at Cardington Studios, Bedford.
According to The Independent, the conditions during the shoot were extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping to -3C (26.6F).
Check out the trailer for the show below:The filming conditions have been a point of contention. One contestant, speaking to The Sun, highlighted the rigorous demands of the game, which required players to remain motionless for extended periods in the cold. This reportedly led to some participants willing to endure potential hypothermia due to the high stakes involved.
"Even if hypothermia kicked in, then people were willing to stay for as long as possible because a lot of money was on the line. Too many were determined not to move so they stood there for far too long," the source said.
The source also mentioned an incident where a contestant was allegedly "carried out on a stretcher" - a claim later denied by sources close to the production.
Daniel Slade, CEO of Express Solicitors, expressed concern over the well-being of the contestants. "We recognise people may see this as a classic David and Goliath battle with the company and its production partners," Slade said. "Contestants thought they were taking part 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."
The production team has responded to these allegations, with a spokesperson for Squid Game: The Challenge stating: "No lawsuit has been filed by any of the Squid Game contestants. We take the welfare of our contestants extremely seriously."
Additionally, Netflix has told The Independent in a statement on behalf of the streaming platform, Studio Lambert, and The Garden (another producer of the show): "We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures.
"While it was very cold on set – and participants were prepared for that – any claims of serious injury are untrue."
Netflix has previously confirmed that three out of 456 players did require medical attention during the filming of the show.
Following the incidents, an independent safety inspection was conducted, with the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reminding producers to adequately plan for risks.
However, HSE concluded that no further action was necessary, adding: "We contacted the program producers after receiving concerns about their recent filming. We reviewed the responses from the producers and decided to take no further action. We did stress to them the importance of planning properly for any risks in future filming."
Squid Game: The Challenge is currently available to
