Netflix exec fired for admission of 'party drug' consumption at work retreat
Baillie claims that despite the context of medical treatment, he was investigated by Netflix.
A Netflix executive has been fired after admitting that he had taken medically prescribed ketamine, the New York Post reports exclusively, according to a lawsuit.
Kevin Baillie, who was vice president and head of creative at Eyeline Studios (a division of Netflix), is suing the company after it launched an investigation into his comments, which ultimately led to his losing his job.
He was being paid $US1.1m a year.
Ketamine is a powerful, prescription-only pain relief drug, but is also commonly illegally used as a ‘party drug’ because of its hallucinogenic effects.
Baillie, who was part of the visual effects team for Pirates of the Caribbean and the Harry Potter franchise, says he took ketamine under medical supervision in October and November of 2022 at a Santa Barbara clinic. His claim says that it was part of his treatment for clinical depression after the death of his mother.
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Baillie suing for firing over ketamine admission
The Post reports that Baillie's suit admits that during a “Vulnerability-Trust exercise” at a January 2026 work retreat, Baillie revealed that ketamine had been part of his depression treatment.
Baillie claims that despite the context of an illness, he was investigated by Netflix. On March 18, 2026, a company investigator said his admission was, "in a manner suggesting suspicion of recreational drug use."
The Netflix executive was fired in April after it was confirmed: “the ketamine therapy issue has factored into the termination.”
Baillie's claim reveals that alleged profanity and drinking were also a factor. He had been warned during his performance review that he should “drop one or two less f-bombs but don’t stop entirely.”
Baillie is seeking a jury trial, compensatory damages, lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages.
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