Ten months after being crowned the victor of the reality TV show "Squid Game: The Challenge," Mai Whelan has yet to receive her prize money of $4.56 million.
The 55-year-old immigration adjudicator bested 455 other players in a series of physical and mental challenges inspired by the South Korean survival drama. In the nail-biting finale, she outplayed 27-year-old Phill Cain in a high-stakes game of "rock, paper, scissors," securing her victory.
However, despite filming wrapping in February, Whelan revealed in an interview with The Times that she has not received a single cent of her winnings. "I feel like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire," she said. "Show me the money!"
"I still have buyer's remorse from that, but I think it's well-deserved," she conceded.
Looking ahead, Whelan expressed her philanthropic intentions for her winnings. "I have charitable causes I wanna contribute more to," she shared, mentioning her desire to support children's education, help the elderly with basic needs and healthcare, and contribute to wildlife and climate change initiatives. "I think those are very important to how we see the world so that way we can live in it and enjoy it for everybody, not just us at the present moment," she added.
While the wait for her prize money continues, a source close to the production assured PEOPLE that Whelan was aware of the payment plan and would receive the full amount after the season finale aired.
Unfortunately, "Squid Game: The Challenge" has not been without controversy. Several contestants have come forward alleging "inhumane" and "harsh" experiences during production, particularly during the filming of the "Red Light, Green Light" game in freezing temperatures. A British personal injury firm is representing two unnamed players who claim they suffered hypothermia and nerve damage due to poor health and safety standards on set.
Despite these allegations, executive producer John Hay defended the show's filming conditions, stating that they "have taken appropriate measures to look after people."
Despite the controversies, "Squid Game: The Challenge" has been a success for Netflix, capturing the attention of viewers and becoming a global phenomenon. A second season is currently in production, promising another round of intense competition and potentially life-changing rewards.
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