The bodyguard of Simon Leviev is suing Netflix over his portrayal in their latest documentary, The Tinder Swindler. Watch the trailer below:
The hit true crime documentary landed on the streaming site just last week and tells the story of a bold conman who tricked countless women out of millions.
It centres 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.
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Each of them fell for his charms and quickly became trapped in his complicated web of lies, eventually handing over hundreds of thousands of pounds to him.
But as well as Leviev's victims, his bodyguard, Peter, also makes an appearance.
As part of his plot to get his hands on their money, Leviev claimed that his life was in danger, and would send the women photos of Peter in an ambulance, having been 'beaten up'.
This would then encourage the women to hand over their money to help.
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But according to Peter's lawyer, he had no part in any scam, and he is now suing Netflix for breaching his 'human rights', which have led to him suffering mentally.
Speaking to LADbible, Joanna Parafianowicz said the streaming site never reached out and spoke to her client ahead of the documentary being made.
She told us: "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.
"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.
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"Netflix’s production neither have asked my client for permission to publish his image nor for his comment on the case.
"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."
Ms 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 contacted Netflix for a comment.
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It's revealed in the documentary - which has been created by the makers of Don't F*** With Cats - that Leviev's real name is actually Shimon Hayut, and that he was eventually caught with a fake passport in Greece in 2019.
He was extradited to Israel and sentenced to 15 months in prison for theft, fraud, and forgery of documents but got out after five months on good behaviour.
The Tinder Swindler is available to watch on Netflix now.
Topics: Documentaries, Netflix, TV and Film, Tinder, The Tinder Swindler
Dominic Smithers