Netflix is facing a significant legal challenge after a Florida man filed a $50 million class-action lawsuit due to widespread streaming glitches during the much-anticipated boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The event, which was held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marked Netflix’s most significant foray into live sports broadcasting.
The Allegations
Ronald “Blue” Denton, a resident of Hillsborough County, Florida, filed the lawsuit in state court, alleging that Netflix breached its contract with subscribers. According to Denton, millions of fans experienced “legendary problems” with the streaming service, including buffering, glitches, and inaccessibility during the live broadcast.
The lawsuit claims that Netflix was “woefully ill-prepared” for the event, despite knowing the massive audience the fight would attract. It highlights over 100,000 online complaints about the streaming issues, citing sources like Down Detector, which logged nearly 85,000 reported problems before and during the fight.
A Historic Event with Major Issues
The Tyson-Paul bout was an eight-round exhibition fight that garnered significant global interest, with Netflix reporting a worldwide audience of 60 million viewers and a peak of 65 million concurrent streams. However, for many fans, the excitement turned to frustration as technical issues plagued the event.
Boxing enthusiasts and casual viewers alike expressed disappointment, particularly as this could be Tyson’s last fight, and Jake Paul’s burgeoning boxing career has drawn significant attention. Many were also upset that parts of the co-main event, featuring Katie Taylor defending her super lightweight championship against Amanda Serrano, were interrupted due to streaming failures.
The Lawsuit’s Demands
The class-action lawsuit seeks damages of at least $50 million and calls attention to Netflix’s alleged failure to adequately prepare for the unprecedented audience demand. “60 million Americans were hyped to see ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, ‘The Baddest Man on the Planet,’ versus YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul. What they saw was ‘The Baddest Streaming on Planet,’” the lawsuit reads.
Netflix’s Response
Netflix acknowledged the streaming issues but maintained that the event was a success overall, highlighting the global viewership numbers. The company promised to provide additional viewership statistics and insights in the coming days. The platform faces increasing pressure to address its technical shortcomings as it ventures into live sports broadcasting, with major leagues like the NFL and WWE potentially on its horizon.
A Glimpse into the Future
The lawsuit raises questions about Netflix’s ability to handle live sports events, especially as the company explores expanding its portfolio beyond on-demand streaming. With the growing popularity of live sports on streaming platforms, this lawsuit serves as a wake-up call for Netflix to address its infrastructure challenges.
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