At least one Netflix subscriber, Ronald “Blue” Denton, has filed a lawsuit after experiencing significant technical issues during the livestream of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match on November 15, 2024. Denton, a resident of Hillsborough County, Florida, alleges that the livestream was “unwatchable” due to buffering and freezing problems.
The Lawsuit and Allegations Against Netflix
The lawsuit, filed in Florida state court, accuses Netflix of breach of contract and deceptive trade practices under Florida law. Denton’s complaint argues that Netflix was “woefully ill-prepared” for the high demand of the fight and failed to deliver the service promised to its subscribers. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and class-action status for other affected consumers.
Netflix Faces Complaints Over Livestream Problems
During the fight, Netflix subscribers reported widespread issues with the livestream, including freezing and buffering. Customers turned to social media to express their frustration over the technical glitches that marred the viewing experience. Despite the issues, Netflix’s livestream of the fight garnered an estimated 108 million live viewers globally, making it the “most-streamed global sporting event ever.”
Denton Critiques Netflix’s Handling of the Situation
Denton’s lawsuit highlighted that many viewers, including 60 million Americans, were eager to watch the highly anticipated fight between Tyson and Paul. However, instead of a seamless experience, viewers faced “legendary problems,” such as no access, glitches, and buffering issues. The lawsuit criticizes Netflix for being “unprepared” and failing to fix the issues during the live event.
Previous Streaming Failures Add to the Controversy
The lawsuit also references Netflix’s previous streaming issues, such as the major delays in the April 2023 “Love Is Blind” reunion. Denton argues that Netflix should have learned from this earlier failure and been better prepared for the Paul-Tyson fight.
Fight Details and Outcome
Jake Paul, 27, defeated the 58-year-old Mike Tyson in an eight-round unanimous decision during the heavyweight fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Despite the technical issues, the event’s global viewership made it a significant moment for Netflix’s live sports streaming efforts.
