Netflix is under fire after a disastrous streaming experience during Friday night’s highly anticipated Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight, with widespread complaints about buffering and glitches disrupting the event. The frustration from fans has now turned into legal action, as Florida resident Ronald “Blue” Denton filed a lawsuit against the streaming giant, alleging breach of contract.
Viewers reported significant issues throughout the broadcast, particularly during the undercard fights, with disruptions escalating during the co-main event featuring Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. By the time Jake Paul and Mike Tyson stepped into the ring, social media was flooded with complaints about buffering and poor streaming quality.
Netflix acknowledged the technical issues in a statement on Monday. Executive Elizabeth Stone admitted the event’s unprecedented scale created challenges, though she commended the team for stabilizing the stream for many viewers. “We don’t want to dismiss the poor experience of some members and know we have room for improvement, but still consider this event a huge success,” Stone said.
Despite the streaming woes, Netflix reported record-breaking viewership numbers. According to the platform, the event drew 108 million viewers globally, becoming the “most-streamed sporting event ever.” In the U.S. alone, the broadcast from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, peaked at 65 million concurrent households, with 56% of all televisions tuned into the fight at its peak.
The co-main event featuring Taylor and Serrano achieved its own milestone, with 74 million viewers globally, making it the most-watched professional women’s sports event in U.S. history.
However, fans and critics weren’t forgiving. Outage tracker Detector recorded over 85,000 complaints during the event, and one particularly embarrassing moment became a focal point for backlash when boxing legend Evander Holyfield and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had their microphones cut off during a conversation about the fights.
The controversy has raised concerns as Netflix prepares for its live NFL debut this Christmas with Beyonce performing at halftime.
