Netflix has responded after chess champion Nona Gaprindashvili sued them over an alleged 'sexist' remark made in the final episode of their hit series, The Queen's Gambit.
The story of the show is similar to the life of Gaprindashvili who was one of the best chess players around in the 1970s.
However, the 80-year-old filed a defamation suit against Netflix on Thursday (16 Sep).
Based on a 1983 novel that focuses on a fictional chess prodigy, The Queen's Gambit follows the life of Beth Harmon, who is raised in an orphanage.
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After overcoming difficulties, Harmon eventually becomes one of the best chess players in the world during the 1960s Cold War era in Moscow.
However, in the final episode of the series, Nona is referenced by a chess commentator who says about Harmon: "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."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gaprindashvili says she has competed against at least 59 male chess players before 1968 - which is when the episode in question is set.
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The complaint against Netflix says: "The allegation that Gaprindashvili 'has never faced men' is manifestly false, as well as being grossly sexist and belittling.
"Netflix brazenly and deliberately lied about Gaprindashvili's achievements for the cheap and cynical purpose of 'heightening the drama' by making it appear that its fictional hero had managed to do what no other woman, including Gaprindashvili, had done.
"Piling on additional insult to injury, Netflix described Gaprindashvili as Russian, despite knowing that she was Georgian and that Georgians had suffered under Russian domination when part of the Soviet Union, and had been bullied and invaded by Russia thereafter."
A Netflix spokesperson responded: "Netflix has only the utmost respect for Ms. Gaprindashvili and her illustrious career, but we believe this claim has no merit and will vigorously defend the case."
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Gaprindashvili is reportedly said to be seeking at least $5 million (£3.62 million) in actual damages plus more in punitive damages.
She also wants a court order that removes the statement that she never played against men.
To read the full complaint against Netflix, click the following link.
Featured Image Credit: NetflixTopics: TV and Film, Netflix