The real-life scandal of Baby Reindeer gives Netflix a lesson in drama

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Netflix is ​​embroiled in a legal battle that could cost the streaming giant up to $120 million, with Fiona Harvey, the real-life inspiration behind the character Martha in hit TV show ‘Baby Reindeer’, seeking compensation for its supposed defamation Harvey’s legal team is pursuing a $170 million lawsuit, accusing Netflix of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and gross negligence. The case centers on major discrepancies between Richard Gadd’s 2019 play Baby Reindeer and its subsequent Netflix series adaptation.

Harvey claims the Emmy-winning TV series defamed her on an unprecedented scale by falsely portraying her as a convicted stalker. Although the play noted that it was “based on a true story,” the series promoted itself as a “true story,” altering key details about his alleged behavior, including fabrications about his criminal history, reportedly Daily Mail.

Is Netflix liable for defamation over Martha’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ conviction?

One of Harvey’s main gripes is the portrayal of her character, Martha, as a convicted stalker in the Netflix series. According to his legal team, Gadd’s original work contained no claims of arrest, conviction or imprisonment for harassment. Instead, the series ends with Martha pleading guilty and receiving a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Harvey has never actually been convicted of stalking. He has submitted evidence, including a clean Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, to support his claim.

Gadd’s play at the Edinburgh Fringe detailed the events between him and Harvey without suggesting that she had committed a crime. In fact, the character Donny, Gadd’s alter ego, was warned by the police that Harvey had not broken any laws. Harvey’s latest amended complaint noted these discrepancies between the play and the television series.

Will the court rule against Harvey or Netflix in the defamation case?

While Harvey’s team questions her portrayal, Netflix has also revealed disturbing details of her interactions with Gadd. The affidavits allege Harvey sent sexually explicit messages, engaged in racist rants and made threats against Gadd, including telling her, “If I want you dead, you’re dead.” Gadd also claims that Harvey assaulted him, although these allegations were taken further in the TV series, where Martha is shown committing sexual assaults and physical violence, events that Harvey denies ever happened.

A California judge recently acknowledged that there are significant differences between the real events and those depicted in the series, stating, “There is a significant difference between stalking and being convicted of stalking,” the Daily Mail reports. While some claims have been dismissed, Netflix is ​​facing increasing pressure as many believe it’s time for the streaming service to adjust. As mediation begins, it remains to be seen whether Netflix will choose to continue the fight or resolve the dispute behind closed doors.

‘Baby Reindeer’ Trailer

‘Baby Reindeer’ is now available to stream on Netflix