Two contestants on Netflix's new reality show Squid Game: The Challenge are threatening legal action against the streaming giant and producers, claiming they suffered hypothermia and nerve damage during filming. The allegations, reported by British law firm Express Solicitors, relate to the show's opening game, Red Light, Green Light, filmed at Cardington Studios in Bedfordshire during a cold snap.
Express Solicitors CEO Daniel Slade said the unnamed clients did not expect to risk their health by crouching motionless for long periods in cold temperatures. One client described seeing someone faint, while another had hands turning purple from the cold. Slade acknowledged the case might be seen as a David and Goliath battle but stressed that contestants thought they were taking part in something fun.
Netflix confirmed that three of the 456 contestants received medical treatment during filming but denied serious injuries. A spokesperson for the show said no lawsuit has been filed and that they take contestant welfare seriously. The Health and Safety Executive conducted an independent safety inspection in February but decided no further action was necessary.
The show, which premiered on Wednesday, recreates the fictional Korean drama where poor people play lethal children's games. The real-life version offers a $4.56 million cash prize, the largest in gameshow history. The original series was viewed in 142 million households and accumulated 1.65 billion viewing hours in its first 28 days.
