Contestants on Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge are demanding compensation for injuries sustained during the show, including hypothermia and nerve damage.
Contestants on the popular Netflix show, Squid Game: The Challenge, are taking legal action after allegedly suffering injuries during the intense competition. The spin-off show, based on the hit South Korean drama Squid Game, offered a staggering prize of $4.56 million (£3.63 million) to the winner. However, two players claim to have endured hypothermia and nerve damage due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures and physically demanding challenges. The contestants’ lawyers argue that poor health and safety standards on set are to blame for their clients’ injuries. While the show’s production company, Studio Lambert, has yet to respond to the allegations, a spokesperson for the show emphasized their commitment to contestant welfare.
Allegations of Inadequate Health and Safety Standards
The law firm representing the contestants, Express Solicitors, has accused Studio Lambert of failing to provide adequate health and safety measures during the filming of Squid Game: The Challenge. According to the firm, the injured players were required to remain motionless for extended periods in cold temperatures, leading to their subsequent injuries. Express Solicitors’ CEO, Daniel Slade, expressed his clients’ disappointment, stating that they “thought they were taking part in something fun” and did not anticipate the physical toll it would take on them. The injuries reported include hypothermia and even nerve damage, with one contestant’s hands turning purple from the cold. The law firm has sent letters of claim to Studio Lambert, signaling their intention to pursue legal action if a resolution is not reached.
The Green Light, Red Light Game and its Physical Demands
One of the most infamous challenges on Squid Game: The Challenge is the Green Light, Red Light game. Contestants were required to run towards a line while a 13.7ft (4.2m) doll sang and faced the wall. However, once the doll rotated its neck to face the players, they had to stand completely still. Automated video systems and a team of adjudicators were responsible for catching any movements, leading to the elimination of those players. Studio Lambert’s CEO, Stephen Lambert, acknowledged the arduous nature of the game, with faster players taking two hours to complete it, while slower ones took four or five hours. Despite warnings about the challenging conditions, contestant Lorenzo Nobilio revealed that it took him a grueling seven hours to finish the game.
Previous Concerns and Health and Safety Measures
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the welfare of contestants on Squid Game: The Challenge. In January, Netflix confirmed that three individuals received medical treatment during filming. However, they denied claims of serious injuries. Variety, a Hollywood trade publication, also reported complaints from other contestants regarding the cold conditions. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) contacted the show’s producers after receiving these concerns but ultimately decided not to take further action. The HSE emphasized the importance of proper planning for future filming to ensure the safety of participants.
Conclusion: As the legal battle unfolds, the controversy surrounding Squid Game: The Challenge raises important questions about the duty of care owed to reality show contestants. While the show’s producers assert their commitment to contestant welfare, the allegations of injuries and inadequate health and safety standards cannot be ignored. As viewers eagerly await the outcome of this dispute, it serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry must prioritize the well-being of its participants, ensuring that the pursuit of captivating content does not come at the expense of human safety.
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