"CEO Maintained a Personal Bar and Offered Alcohol"...Former Netflix Subsidiary Executive Alleges

Former Executive Files Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

Claims Company Fostered a Culture of Drinking

As a former executive of Eyeline Studios, a Netflix subsidiary, has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, claims have emerged that the company fostered a culture that encouraged employees to drink alcohol. The complaint also alleges that the chief executive officer (CEO) kept a personal bar in his office and offered drinks to staff members.

Netflix. AFP Yonhap News

According to the California Post on July 28th (local time), claims related to the company’s drinking culture were disclosed during the wrongful termination lawsuit brought by Kevin Bailey, former Executive Vice President of Creative at Netflix’s VFX (visual effects) production company, Eyeline Studios.

The complaint submitted to the court stated that “drinking alcohol at company events was common, openly tolerated, and actively encouraged.” In particular, it is alleged that Jeff Shapiro, CEO of Eyeline Studios, even purchased alcohol himself to share with employees while commuting to company events so they could drink together in the car.

Bailey revealed during a company workshop in January that he had undergone ketamine treatment with a doctor's prescription, after which the company initiated an investigation and subsequently dismissed him in April. Ketamine is an opioid analgesic.

According to the complaint, the company’s legal counsel confirmed that “the issue of ketamine treatment” was one of the reasons for his termination.

Bailey claims wrongful termination in his lawsuit. The complaint further contends that the company has cultivated a culture encouraging employees to consume alcohol. In the complaint, Bailey’s side asserts, “The company has sponsored alcohol consumption, with executives openly participating and essentially condoning the behavior.”

Kevin Bailey, former Executive Vice President of Creative at Eyeline Studios. Instagram

Additionally, Bailey claims he directly witnessed CEO Shapiro actively encouraging drinking at several employee events. He mentioned seeing Shapiro drinking with Netflix and Eyeline Studios employees at his own welcome dinner in September 2024, the Netflix annual business review event in March 2025, and while attending an NBA Los Angeles Lakers game in February 2026 with Shapiro’s direct supervisor present.

Bailey’s attorney submitted at least six occasions to the court where CEO Shapiro attended business events with a drink in hand.

Furthermore, CEO Shapiro reportedly maintained a personal bar in his office and offered Bailey drinks on multiple occasions, including after successfully concluding a meeting with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

The complaint also alleges that, at a Netflix-operated facility, CEO Shapiro told team workshop participants, “Use the bar here as if it’s your own,” and said they were free to pour themselves drinks when no bartender was present.

Meanwhile, Bailey argued that his ketamine use was a course of treatment prescribed by medical professionals after losing his mother. He is seeking a jury trial and is demanding lost wages due to the dismissal, compensation for emotional distress, and punitive damages.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.