Netflix Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Poor Streaming Quality During Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fight
Netflix’s first foray into live-streaming sports with the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight was meant to mark a new era for the platform. Instead, the event has landed Netflix in legal trouble due to severe streaming issues. A class-action lawsuit filed by Ronald ‘Blue’ Denton accuses Netflix of breach of contract, citing "legendary problems" like constant buffering, streaming glitches, and even complete lack of access for some viewers.
Details of the Lawsuit
Plaintiff: Ronald 'Blue' Denton
Allegations: Streaming issues caused major disruptions, ruining the viewing experience.
Legal Grounds: Breach of contract and failure to provide a promised service.
Relief Sought: Unspecified damages for affected viewers.
Netflix’s Response
Despite the backlash, Netflix’s CTO Elizabeth Stone described the event as a “huge success”, noting that 60 million viewers tuned in. However, she acknowledged technical challenges and admitted the need for improvement, stating:
“We don’t want to dismiss the poor experience of some members and know we have room for improvement, but still consider this event a huge success.”
Stone attributed the problems to the “unprecedented scale” of the event and assured viewers that Netflix would improve its live-streaming capabilities moving forward. She did not, however, address the class-action lawsuit directly.
What’s Next for Netflix?
Netflix plans to stream more live sporting events, with NFL games on Christmas Day as its next big test. However, this lawsuit could serve as a wake-up call to address its streaming quality and prevent further legal action.
What do you think about Netflix’s move into live sports? Should they prioritize fixing their technical issues before expanding this service? Share your thoughts below!