Producer Adds Defamation Claim To Lawsuit Against Netflix Over Theft Of Hard Drive Of World War II Espionage Pic ‘Fortitude’

The producer of the World War II espionage film "Fortitude," Simon Afram, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, claiming the streaming service is responsible for the theft of a hard drive containing the film. The hard drive was delivered to Netflix's headquarters for screening and potential purchase. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Afram alleges that the theft represents a significant failure on Netflix's part, prompting the legal action. In the lawsuit, Afram is seeking $105 million in damages due to the alleged incident. The film "Fortitude" is described as tonally similar to "Ocean's 11" and "Inglourious Basterds." The case raises important questions about the responsibilities of streaming services in safeguarding intellectual property and the potential financial repercussions of failing to do so. It highlights the need for robust security measures at Netflix regarding sensitive materials submitted for consideration. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome may have implications for both Afram and Netflix, particularly concerning the handling of unreleased content. The lawsuit underscores the accountability of streaming platforms in protecting creative works and the potential risks involved when dealing with intellectual property. The case is expected to draw attention to industry practices related to the security of submitted materials.