A Netflix executive was let go from his $1.1 million-a-year position after he revealed in a lawsuit that he used ketamine, prescribed for him, during a “confidence exercise” in a company dorm.
The lawsuit, filed by Kevin Bailey—previously the vice president and creative director of Eyeline Studio—claims that his termination followed an investigation into his remarks. This inquiry ultimately led to his dismissal.
Bailey, who contributed to visual effects for franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter, stated he used the medication at a Santa Barbara clinic in late 2022 while dealing with depression following his mother’s passing.
He alleges that during a “vulnerable trust exercise” at a January 2026 retreat at Netflix’s Sendero Ranch, he discussed his treatment with colleagues. Following that, he claims he was subjected to an investigation that hinted at possible illicit drug use.
In April, he was terminated, with a company attorney later confirming that issues related to ketamine therapy factored into the decision, and indicated that Bailey may have been denied up to a year of severance pay.
In the lawsuit, he noted that the investigation included questions about alleged profanity and alcohol consumption. He was cautioned during performance reviews about his language but was encouraged not to eliminate it entirely.
Interestingly, during that same retreat, Bailey demonstrated a trick involving a drink he learned from his ex-stepfather, which his coworkers eagerly requested to see. The report noted that he felt it important to share this playful moment as part of the openness promoted in the session.
Additionally, he described a culture at Eyeline Studios allegedly fostered by CEO Jeff Shapiro that embraced heavy drinking. It was mentioned in the complaint that Shapiro would buy beer and bring it to share during outings, and that he maintained a bar in his office, providing drinks even after significant meetings.
Bailey is pursuing a jury trial along with compensatory damages, lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages, while Netflix and Eyeline have been approached for their remarks on the situation.
