Netflix is now at the center of a $50 million class-action lawsuit after widespread streaming disruptions during the highly anticipated boxing event featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The fight, which drew an audience of around 60 million viewers, was plagued by buffering and glitches, leaving many frustrated.
The lawsuit was filed by Ronald “Blue” Denton from Florida, who claims that Netflix failed to adequately prepare for the overwhelming demand. Denton’s complaint highlights that many subscribers missed crucial parts of the broadcast due to the technical problems. The filing states: “Millions tuned in to watch ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson face off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, but instead, they were met with ‘Iron Buffering.’”
Netflix addressed the incident, acknowledging the unprecedented demand for the event. Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone reportedly assured staff that the company had prioritized maintaining stream stability for most viewers. She stated, “While we deeply regret the poor experience some users faced, this event still represented a massive achievement for Netflix.”
Despite the issues, the event marked a significant step for Netflix in live sports broadcasting. With 60 million households tuning in globally, the match demonstrated the platform’s reach and potential in hosting large-scale events.
However, the lawsuit emphasizes the challenges of delivering reliable streaming for such high-profile live events. As Netflix expands its offerings into live sports, overcoming these technical difficulties will be critical to satisfying subscribers and sustaining their trust.