Netflix sued over Polish series ‘Ołowiane dzieci’

The family of the late Polish pediatrician Professor Bożena Hager-Małecka has filed a lawsuit against Netflix regarding the series ‘Ołowiane dzieci’ (Lead Children). Stanisław Torbus, the professor’s grandson, alleges that the production commits ‘historical identity theft’ by replacing the real figure with a fictional character, Professor Krystyna Berger.

The family argues that the series distorts historical truth by omitting Hager-Małecka’s crucial role in diagnosing lead poisoning in children near a steelworks and instead attributes her professional characteristics and achievements to a fictional counterpart. They contend that the portrayal misrepresents the collaborative relationship between Hager-Małecka and Dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Król, instead framing it as a conflict.

As part of the legal action, the family is seeking 100,000 PLN in compensation, which is intended to be donated to the ‘Dwie Głowy’ Foundation. They are also demanding that Netflix include a disclaimer before each episode and on official social media profiles to clarify the historical role of Professor Hager-Małecka.