Featured Image Credit: Netflix
Topics: TV and Film, The Tinder Swindler
Jess Hardiman
The Tinder Swindler’s bodyguard Piotr is launching legal action against Netflix over the recent documentary, having demanded an apology from the streaming service – along with €5 million ($5.67m/£4.16m) in compensation.
The Tinder Swindler tells the story of bold conman Simon Leviev, who tricked countless women out of millions - centring on the stories of Cecilie Fjellhøy, Pernilla Sjoholm and Ayleen Charlotte, who all matched with the self-proclaimed billionaire playboy on the popular dating app.
As part of his plot to get his hands on their money, Leviev claimed that his bodyguard’s life was in danger, and would send the women photos of Piotr in an ambulance, having supposedly been 'beaten up' - in turn encouraging the woman to hand over their money to help him.
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However, according to a letter issued by Piotr’s lawyer Joanna Parafianowicz, he is now pursuing legal action against Netflix, calling on the streamer to ‘cease and desist the violation of personal rights’ by ‘abandoning further broadcast’ of the documentary.
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In the letter, obtained by TMZ, Parafianowicz is calling on Netflix to issue an apology, claiming her client was deprived of ‘the opportunity to comment’ or ‘grant his consent for the use of his image’.
Piotr – whose surname is not provided – is also asking for €3 million in compensation for the ‘harm suffered’, along with a further €2 million ‘as compensation resulting from the inability to continue to practice the profession of a specialist in the protection of persons and property’.
Parafianowicz writes that the money should be paid ‘within 7 days of delivery of this letter’.
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Parafianowicz claims that Piotr had no part in any scam, having previously told LADbible: "No one has the right to deprive a person of basic rights, such as the right to image and the right to the protection of personal data.
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"The movie doesn't tell my client's story, and it must be underlined - no charges have been ever brought against him regarding this case.
"He’s never been involved in Simon’s businesses. However, by many viewers he’s being associated with Simon Leviev’s behaviour.
"Netflix’s production neither have asked my client for permission to publish his image nor for his comment on the case.
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"As a result of the unexpected movie publication and its immediate popularity, my client lost anonymity within just one day, the ability to work as a bodyguard, probably forever, as well as his reputation."
Parafianowicz added: "Peter is in a bad mental state now. We both believe that even such a giant like Netflix cannot violate basic human rights."
LADbible has reached out to Netflix for comment.