Netflix’s attempt to get into live sports broadcasting has landed it in hot water. Israeli subscribers, led by a pair of lawyers, filed a class action lawsuit worth about $2.75 million (NIS 10 million) against the streaming giant. The reason? His live broadcast of the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight on Nov. 16 was a disaster. Instead of a seamless “Fight of the Century,” viewers were treated to frozen screens and technical chaos.
Subscribers shelled out NIS 54.90 ($15) a month expecting top-quality service, but received a frustrating wake-up call in the middle of the night. About 100,000 Israeli fans were up until 3am, just to watch a digital freeze-frame contest. Adding insult to injury, Netflix did not admit fault or offer compensation.
Presented through the lawyer Eliezer Schwartz, the lawsuit accuses Netflix of breaking its promise, leaving fans in trouble and questioning its live sports future.
A similar class action lawsuit for the same broadcast chaos has already been filed in the United States, but the Israeli claim remains with the local crowd. Like this situation, Netflix has not bothered to respond, and the court has not yet made a decision.
Netflix’s silence so far might be louder than the actual fight. Fans? Furious. The streaming service? Embarrassed Result? To be decided. If Netflix had intended to knock it out of the park, it might have been right in your face.
