As Netflix‘s reality show ‘Squid Game: The Challenge gains popularity, a shocking revelation has emerged about the appearance fee for contestants.
According to a report by British media outlet Daily Mail on the 2nd (local time), Radhika, one of the contestants on ‘The Challenge’, stated that none of the contestants received any upfront payment from Netflix. Only the winner of the show would receive the grand prize money.
In response to a fan’s question about her appearance fee, Radhika emphasized, “Zero. Not a single penny. No matter the currency, the answer is zero.” However, she clarified that Netflix did cover all travel expenses, including flights, trains, and taxis.
Reflecting on her experience on ‘The Challenge’, Radhika remarked, “It was an incredible experience, but I wouldn’t want to do it again. Not even for free.“
‘The Challenge’ is a reality adaptation of the popular Netflix Korean drama ‘Squid Game’. Like the drama, it’s a Netflix original survival reality show where 456 participants compete for a grand prize of 4.56 million dollars (equivalent to approximately 5.9 billion Korean won). According to the Daily Mail, over 100,000 people applied for ‘The Challenge’ after learning about the hefty prize money.
In a surprising turn of events, ‘The Challenge’ has faced legal action. According to multiple foreign media reports, participants have initiated legal proceedings against Netflix and the production company. They allege that they suffered injuries, including hypothermia and nerve damage, due to the harsh conditions at the ‘The Challenge’ filming location.
One participant recounted, “I was subjected to eight hours of torture. I was treated like a mere object. Even animals wouldn’t be treated this way.” Another participant added, “I understand the game is supposed to be challenging, but I felt it was inhumane.”
Netflix Response to Allegations
Executive producer John Hay responded to these allegations: “The well-being and safety of the participants were our top priorities.” He further explained that filming took place over an extended period. Moreover, the production team and staff were fully prepared to address any safety concerns and provide proper care for the participants.
