Netflix is once again in hot water, this time over widespread glitches during its livestream of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, a highly anticipated event that drew millions of viewers. Furious fans have now launched a lawsuit in Florida, accusing the streaming giant of breaching its contract by failing to deliver a reliable stream.
The suit comes after countless complaints poured in about buffering, glitches, and interruptions during the event, which Netflix has touted as one of its largest streaming undertakings to date. In a statement released Monday, Netflix acknowledged the technical issues but downplayed their significance, calling the event a “huge success” despite widespread criticism.
Netflix executive Elizabeth Stone said the platform faced “unprecedented scale” challenges but claimed the technical team “tackled brilliantly” to stabilize the stream for most viewers. She added, “We don’t want to dismiss the poor experience of some members and know we have room for improvement.”
However, critics argue that a company of Netflix’s size and resources should have anticipated such issues and ensured a seamless viewing experience for paying customers.
The timing of the fight night debacle couldn’t be worse for Netflix, which is already reeling from political backlash. The streaming giant’s co-founder, Reed Hastings, recently made headlines with a $7 million donation to the Harris-Walz campaign. The move has sparked outrage among conservatives, leading to a significant spike in subscription cancellations.
The backlash began when Hastings publicly celebrated Kamala Harris after President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race. Posting on X, Hastings wrote, “Congrats to Kamala Harris — now it is time to win.” The statement didn’t sit well with many Americans, especially conservatives, who view Harris as divisive and unfit for leadership.
Social media erupted with calls to cancel Netflix subscriptions, with users accusing the platform of alienating half the country with its overt political activism.
One user fumed, “Just cancelled Netflix…this was the final straw. Too woke and clearly anti-American. Any company actively contributing to Harris, who lied for 4 years and is completely unfit for office, is not getting my money.”
Another warned, “Lesson 1: When your business supports patrons on both sides of the aisle, you don’t alienate 50% of your customers by making stupid political statements! Lesson 2: Your stockholders will hold you accountable!”
Hastings’ $7 million donation wasn’t just controversial—it’s proving costly. According to reports, Netflix experienced its highest single-day cancellation rate of the year following the announcement. The platform’s apparent alignment with leftist politics has become a recurring issue, alienating many viewers who see the company as out of touch with mainstream America.
The criticism extends beyond political donations. One user blasted Hastings, saying, “Giving that lawless clown $7 million to further destroy our country is outrageous. Neither she nor Biden have done one positive thing for Americans.” Another pointed out Harris’ failed track record as Border Czar, accusing Netflix of endorsing incompetence.
Between technical failures during a high-profile event and growing dissatisfaction over its political leanings, Netflix is finding itself increasingly at odds with a significant portion of its audience. What was once a platform celebrated for its diverse offerings is now mired in controversy, facing a growing wave of cancellations and criticism.
As Netflix navigates this turbulent time, the question remains: Will the company acknowledge its alienation of conservative viewers, or will it continue to double down on the very politics that are driving so many to click “unsubscribe”?
