Netflix settles ‘Queen’s Gambit’ defamation lawsuit with Georgian Chess Grandmaster
Netflix settles ‘Queen’s Gambit’ defamation lawsuit with Georgian Chess Grandmaster
10:02, 07.09.2022

Netflix has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a Georgian chess master who alleged that she was defamed in an episode of “The Queen’s Gambit,” Variety reported.

Nona Gaprindashvili argued that her accomplishments were disparaged when a chess announcer in the Netflix series wrongly stated that she had never faced men.” In fact, Gaprindashvili had faced 59 male competitors by 1968, the year in which the series was set.

Netflix had tried to have the lawsuit dismissed, claiming that the show’s creators had broad license under the First Amendment. But in January a federal judge rejected that argument, holding that fictional works are not immune from lawsuits if they defame real people.

Netflix appealed the ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, but on Tuesday the case was dismissed.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. A Netflix spokesperson also said, “We are pleased the matter has been resolved.”

“The Queen’s Gambit” portrays Beth Harmon, a fictional American who becomes an international chess champion. In the final episode, Harmon defeats a male competitor at a tournament in Moscow. An announcer explains that her opponent underestimated her. “The only unusual thing about her, really, is her sex. And even that’s not unique in Russia. There’s Nona Gaprindashvili, but she’s the female world champion and has never faced men.”

Gaprindashvili, now 81, argued that the reference was “grossly sexist and belittling.”

Netflix argued that the reference was intended to recognize Gaprindashvili, not disparage her.

See full article at Variety.



By - Marika Kartozia

Society
Georgian Chess Grandmaster
Nona Gaprindashvili
Queen’s Gambit
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