Squid Game: The Challenge's Mai Whelan's claim of not receiving $4.56M Netflix cash prize causes online stir

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA: Mai Whelan, the winner of 'Squid Game: The Challenge', recently left the Internet in shock with the disclosure that she is yet to receive the $4.56 million prize money from Netflix in an interview with The Sunday Times. 

This comes after the contestant managed to secure one of the most substantial lump sums in the history of reality TV competitions, as reported by Vanity Fair. 

Mai Whelan is yet to receive $4.56M prize money from Netflix even though filming wrapped up in February

According to Vanity Fair, on December 6, viewers witnessed the victory of Whelan, a 55-year-old immigration adjudicator and US Navy veteran, in the finale of 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Season 1.

She won by defeating 27-year-old contestant Phill Cain in a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors', earning the hefty grand prize.

Whelan had to overcome 455 other contestants in both physical and mental games during a two-week competition aired on Netflix across 10 episodes.

Despite the conclusion of the show's filming in February, Whelan revealed in The Sunday Times interview that she had not received any of her winnings.

She expressed, "I feel like Tom Cruise in Jerry McGuire. Show me the money!"

According to PEOPLE Magazine, in response to Whelan's assertion of a 10-month delay in receiving the prize money, a source close to production informed the publication that the show's winner was aware of the payment plan and is scheduled to receive the prize fund now that the Season 1 finale has been aired.

Whelan reportedly found the 'Squid Game' experience to be challenging, stating, "I didn’t expect it to be so stressful. It takes a lot out of you, that game. To beat out 455 players was a very emotional moment for me."

Internet reacts to Mai Whelan's claim of not receiving the $4.56M prize money from Netflix

Following the revelation by Whelan about not receiving the $4.56 million prize money from Netflix, numerous netizens took to express their opinions on the matter.

One wrote, "Netflix when it's time to pay💀😭," attaching a funny meme. 

A person stated, "So in the show they gave her a card that had $4.56M to just shoot the video? 😂 That's insane @netflix."

Someone else shared a "Show me the money!" meme and wrote, "I imagine her calling them everyday like this !"

Another expressed, "$4.56 million is a lot of money….they probably still trying to find it but now that she’s speaking up…I’m sure they’ll be calling her soon." 

"They raised the prices just so she can have a prize and they didn't even give it to her," said one more. 

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