Netflix is facing a lawsuit filed in Florida state court by Ronald “Blue” Denton, a Hillsborough County resident, alleging widespread streaming disruptions during the highly anticipated Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. Denton is seeking to elevate the lawsuit into a class-action case on behalf of other subscribers who experienced similar issues but were not offered refunds or compensation for the disrupted service.
The lawsuit centers on allegations that Netflix was unprepared to handle the surge in viewership for the event, leading to constant buffering and glitches during the livestream. Denton argues that the streaming giant’s acknowledgment of these technical difficulties underscores its lack of preparation.
“Instead of delivering the programming that subscribers pay for, Netflix was woefully unprepared and unable to resolve the streaming issues,” Denton stated in his filing. He further claims that this failure amounts to a breach of contractual obligations, as Netflix continued billing subscribers for services it did not adequately provide.
Reports indicate that between 85,000 and 97,000 viewers experienced streaming disruptions during the event. Many complaints emerged during the co-main event featuring Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, and the issues persisted into the Paul-Tyson headliner. Frustrated viewers cited buffering, glitches, and delayed streams, which detracted from the live event experience.
For fans, the technical problems not only marred the highly anticipated bout but also raised broader concerns about Netflix’s reliability as a live-streaming platform.
Netflix’s handling of the Paul-Tyson fight has sparked unease about its ability to manage upcoming live broadcasts, particularly the NFL’s Christmas Day doubleheader. The platform is set to air two high-profile games—the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans—on December 25.
Despite the recent setbacks, the NFL has expressed confidence that Netflix will address and resolve the technical issues in time for the holiday broadcasts. The league, which has partnered with streaming platforms in recent years, has a vested interest in ensuring a smooth viewing experience for fans.
The lawsuit raises questions about Netflix’s readiness to compete in the live sports streaming market. Traditionally known for its on-demand content, Netflix has been expanding into live event broadcasting to stay competitive with platforms like Amazon Prime Video, which has successfully streamed NFL games, and YouTube, which now offers NFL Sunday Ticket.
Critics argue that Netflix’s streaming infrastructure may not yet be optimized for high-demand live events, as evidenced by the disruptions during the Paul-Tyson fight. If unresolved, such issues could undermine Netflix’s efforts to establish itself as a reliable provider of live sports and entertainment.
As Denton’s lawsuit progresses, it may pave the way for other affected subscribers to join the case, potentially leading to financial restitution or policy changes within Netflix. For the streaming giant, the stakes are high: delivering a flawless Christmas Day NFL broadcast will be crucial to regaining viewer confidence and solidifying its position in the competitive live-streaming market.
