Netflix Termination Lawsuit: Ex-Netflix Executive Sues Company Over Firing After Ketamine Therapy
A former Netflix vice president is suing the company after being fired from his USD 1.1 million job. The termination followed a team retreat where he disclosed undergoing medically prescribed ketamine therapy for depression, according to a recent lawsuit filed against the studio.
A former high-ranking Netflix executive is suing the streaming giant after being dismissed from his USD 1.1 million annual position. The termination followed a disclosure during a corporate team-building retreat that he had undergone medically prescribed ketamine treatment for clinical depression following a family bereavement.
Kevin Baillie, who served as vice president and head of creative at Netflix division Eyeline Studios, filed the lawsuit after internal investigations concluded. According to legal filings, Baillie partook in supervised medical treatments in late 2022 at a clinic in Santa Barbara to cope with the death of his mother. AI Layoffs Mount Across Tech Sector Amid SaaS Market Downturn: Report.
Vulnerability Exercise and Internal Investigation
During a corporate retreat in January 2026 held at a Northern California property owned by Netflix, employees participated in a structured trust and vulnerability exercise. During this session, Baillie disclosed his medical history to colleagues, explaining the therapeutic context behind his supervised treatments.
Company investigators later approached Baillie regarding the disclosure, allegedly treating the medical treatment with suspicion regarding recreational drug use. Legal representatives for the streaming company subsequently confirmed that the ketamine therapy disclosure contributed directly to his dismissal in April, alongside allegations concerning workplace conduct and drinking, as per a report by New York Post.
Workplace Culture and Legal Demands
The lawsuit also highlights broader allegations regarding the internal environment at the studio, claiming that leadership frequently encouraged social drinking during professional outings and office meetings. Baillie maintains that his termination was unjustified and handled improperly regarding severance agreements. Layoffs 2026: Over 1.22 Lakh Laid Off Globally by Tech Companies; AI Primary Reason.
The legal action requests a trial by jury to pursue compensatory damages, lost wages, compensation for emotional distress, and punitive damages. Representatives for Netflix and Eyeline Studios have been approached for comment regarding the ongoing litigation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 08:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).