Netflix in payment controversy over Alex Honnold’s historic climb

EntertainmentLifestyle
26 Jan 2026 • 5:29 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Renowned rock climber Alex Honnold made history by free-soloing Taipei 101, the world's 11th-tallest skyscraper, without safety gear or ropes.
  • The ascent of the 1,667-foot, 101-story structure in Taiwan was filmed for a Netflix special titled Skyscraper Live.
  • Honnold completed the challenging climb in one hour, 31 minutes, and 43 seconds on Saturday evening.
  • He described his payment for the spectacle as an 'embarrassing amount', though he stated he would have undertaken the climb for free.
  • Sources with direct knowledge of the deal indicated that Honnold was paid in the mid-six figures for his participation.

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