Kevin Baillie was VP, Head of Creative/Head of Studio at Eyeline Studios, Netflix’s visual effects division, when he showed up to a company retreat in January 2026. The retreat included a “Vulnerability-Trust exercise” meant to encourage team building. Baillie shared that he’d been doing ketamine therapy for clinical depression after his mother died.
Two months later, he was out of a job. Netflix’s own attorney admitted the therapy had “factored into the termination,” according to a lawsuit reported by the California Post. The company’s investigation also dug up profanity and drinking, including a moment where Baillie did a headstand while chugging a Guinness.
But Baillie’s suit says Netflix’s own culture practically encouraged that kind of behavior. He claims Eyeline CEO Jeff Shapiro kept a personal bar in his office and once handed out beer to staff on a car ride to an awards show.
Baillie is now suing for wrongful termination, disability discrimination and lost severance, and wants a jury trial. Netflix and Eyeline haven’t responded publicly.
Kevin Baillie was VP, Head of Creative/Head of Studio at Eyeline Studios, Netflix’s visual effects division, when he showed up to a company retreat in January 2026. The retreat included a “Vulnerability-Trust exercise” meant to encourage team building. Baillie shared that he’d been doing ketamine therapy for clinical depression after his mother died.
Two months later, he was out of a job. Netflix’s own attorney admitted the therapy had “factored into the termination,” according to a lawsuit reported by the California Post. The company’s investigation also dug up profanity and drinking, including a moment where Baillie did a headstand while chugging a Guinness.
But Baillie’s suit says Netflix’s own culture practically encouraged that kind of behavior. He claims Eyeline CEO Jeff Shapiro kept a personal bar in his office and once handed out beer to staff on a car ride to an awards show.
Baillie is now suing for wrongful termination, disability discrimination and lost severance, and wants a jury trial. Netflix and Eyeline haven’t responded publicly.