Netflix refutes allegations of ‘serious injury’ on Squid Game reality show
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The South Korean drama that inspired the reality show, Squid Game, became Netflix’s most-watched series when it was released.
PHOTO: NETFLIX
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BEDFORD, BRITAIN – Streaming giant Netflix has refuted claims that contestants in its real-life Squid Game reality competition show suffered “serious injury”.
However, in a report published by BBC News on Thursday, it did acknowledge that three people on set received treatment for “mild medical conditions”.
“While it was very cold on set – and participants were prepared for that – any claims of serious injury are untrue,” a Netflix spokesman said.
Filming for Squid Game: The Challenge is ongoing in Bedford, a town in south-eastern England, with 456 contestants battling it out in pursuit of a US$4.56 million (S$6 million) cash prize.
The show, which is expected to continue filming till next month, will have 10 episodes.
The South Korean drama that inspired it, Squid Game
But allegations surfaced in recent days of Squid Game: The Challenge contestants – who flew in from around the world – struggling in sub-zero temperatures.
In a report published by British tabloid The Sun on Tuesday, an unnamed contestant was quoted as saying: “It was like a war zone. People left in tears... Even (when) hypothermia kicked in, people were willing to stay for as long as possible because a lot of money was on the line.
“Some were crawling by the end. At least one was carried out on a stretcher.”
Another report by the same outlet published the next day said that “a large number of players” were considering a class-action lawsuit against Netflix.
One of these players reportedly said: “We were tortured for eight hours. You wouldn’t treat animals like that. At one point, I could see they were bringing on a black coffin with a pink ribbon just like in the original show. I feel like they prioritised getting a good shot over helping us.”
