Netflix Faces Lawsuit Over 'Baby Reindeer' Stalker Character
Uploaded: June 10, 2024
- Fiona Harvey is suing Netflix for $170 million, claiming "Baby Reindeer" defamed her by portraying her as a stalker
- The lawsuit alleges the series misrepresents Harvey, causing reputational damage and online harassment
- Netflix and Richard Gadd defend the series as fictionalized, with Gadd urging fans not to identify real-life counterparts
Netflix is defending themselves against a $170 million lawsuit filed by Fiona Harvey, a Scottish attorney who claims she is the real-life inspiration behind the stalker character Martha in the streaming giant's hit series "Baby Reindeer." Harvey alleges that the show, which premiered in April 2024, has caused her severe emotional distress and defamed her character.
British comedian Richard Gadd dramatizes his personal experiences with a stalker in "Baby Reindeer." The series depicts Gadd's fictional counterpart, Donny Dunn, being harassed by Martha, who’s portrayed as a dangerously obsessive individual. According to Harvey, this character is a gross misrepresentation of her, suggesting she has a criminal record, which she denies.
Harvey's lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, claims that the series "viciously" misrepresents her character, causing significant damage to her reputation and personal life. She is seeking $120 million in damages and $50 million in profits from the series. Harvey argues that the portrayal led to her being identified and harassed online.
Netflix has issued a statement that they intend to "defend this matter vigorously" and support Gadd’s right to tell his story. The company highlights that while the series is based on true events, certain characters and incidents were fictionalized for dramatic purposes. The show includes disclaimers noting these alterations.
Richard Gadd has also addressed the controversy, urging fans of the show to refrain from attempting to identify the characters' real-life counterparts. He emphasized that significant efforts were made to disguise the identities of those involved. Gadd reiterated that Martha's character was inspired by actual events but heavily fictionalized for the series.