Netflix Settles $5 Million Lawsuit Over The Queen’s Gambit Defamation Allegations

Netflix has settled the $5 million lawsuit filed against the streamer over its hit limited series, The Queen’s Gambit. The lawsuit was filed by Soviet chess icon Nona Gaprindashvili, who alleged sexism and historical inaccuracy in the series. The settlement terms were not disclosed.

The suit was centered around a line in the final episode of the series, where a commentator mentions Gaprindashvili as the female world champion who has never faced men. However, Gaprindashvili had competed against numerous male chess players, including Grandmasters, by the year 1968, when the episode is set.

Netflix had tried to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the series was a work of fiction and that the line in question was a minor inaccuracy. However, a federal judge denied their request, stating that the series referenced real people and events, and viewers may have believed the comment to be a historical detail.

Gaprindashvili has requested a jury trial, but it is speculated that Netflix may eventually settle the case. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how real people are portrayed in fictional works.

For more details on the case and the ruling, you can read the full article here.