Netflix Executive Sues After Firing Over Medically Prescribed Ketamine Disclosure

Executive Fired After Trust Exercise Disclosure

Kevin Baillie, formerly Vice President and Head of Creative at Netflix's Eyeline Studios, has filed a lawsuit against the company. The suit alleges he was terminated from his $1.1 million per year position after revealing he had undergone medically prescribed ketamine treatment during a "Vulnerability-Trust exercise" at a January 2026 work retreat.

Medical Treatment for Depression

Baillie, known for his work on visual effects for "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the Harry Potter franchise, stated in the lawsuit that he received the ketamine treatment under medical supervision in October and November 2022. He sought this treatment for clinical depression following the death of his mother.

Investigation and Termination

According to the lawsuit, Netflix launched an investigation into Baillie's comments, which he claims were made with an explanation of the medical reasons behind the treatment. The suit states that a company investigator brought up the incident in March 2026, suggesting suspicion of recreational drug use. Baillie was subsequently fired in April, with the company's attorney reportedly confirming that "the ketamine therapy issue has factored into the termination." The lawsuit also suggests Baillie was denied up to a year of severance pay.

Allegations of Company Culture

The lawsuit also touches on other aspects of the work environment, mentioning that the investigation's scope included alleged profanity and drinking. Baillie claims he was previously advised in a performance review to "drop one or two less f-bombs but don’t stop entirely." He also described an incident at the same retreat where he drank a Guinness while standing on his head, a trick he performed after a colleague requested a demonstration. The suit further alleges an alcohol-fueled company environment encouraged by Eyeline Studios CEO Jeff Shapiro, claiming "alcohol consumption was company-sponsored, leadership-modeled and condoned."