‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ contestants claim the show was ‘rigged’

Former contestants on “Squid Game: The Challenge” are hoping Netflix gives the red light to the upcoming reality competition show.

Selected members of the 456 people participating in the record-breaking $4.56 million prize money series said Rolling stone they believe the show was run under unsafe working conditions and was a rigged competition. A group of former “The Challenge” players are planning to file a lawsuit against co-production studios Studio Lambert and The Garden for workplace safety violations, negligence and false pretenses.

“All the agony and trauma we went through wasn’t because of the game or the rigors of the game,” a former contestant told Rolling Stone. “It was the disproportion – they bit off more than they could chew.”

A recent report claimed that on the first day of filming, it was -3 degrees Celsius, roughly 26 degrees Fahrenheit, and doctors were needed and the contestants had to stay still for more than nine hours while playing “Red Light, Green Light” . Standing in 30-minute increments. According to Rolling Stone, 10 contestants required medical attention for everything from a herniated disc, torn knee ligament, pneumonia, ear infection and cough.

Former players have also claimed that “The Challenge” is a fixed game and that Netflix has already selected certain TikTok and Instagram influencers to move forward regardless of the outcome of the challenge. Contestants who applied say they were treated like “extras on a TV show.”

“Instead of the ‘Squid Game,’ (they) call it the ‘Rigged Game,’” said one “The Challenge” alum. “They call it ‘Net Fix’ instead of Netflix because it was clearly obvious.

Another contestant added: “The funny thing is that equality and fairness were the main themes of the original ‘Squid Game.’

Production on the series began on 23 January at Cardington Studios in Bedford, England. Netflix reportedly gave contestants hand warmers and thermal underwear to wear in the freezing weather.

Netflix previously acknowledged that three people suffered from minor illnesses and required medical attention, but the production has “invested in all appropriate safety procedures. Although it was very cold on set – and the participants were prepared for it – the claims of serious injuries are not true.”

Only 288 contestants advanced after the initial “Red Light, Green Light” challenge and will continue through the rest of the game.

IndieWire has reached out to Netflix representatives for comment.

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