Netflix responds as alleged real-life Martha sues for £133m over Baby Reindeer
Netflix has publicly responded to a new lawsuit brought against them by the alleged real-life Martha of hit show Baby Reindeer.
The Netflix series is based on creator and star Richard Gadd's real-life experience of being stalked by a woman, who is named Martha Scott in the show. Following its release, Fiona Harvey has come forward publicly claiming to be the inspiration for the character.
She has now filed a lawsuit in the US against the streaming service, suing them for spreading "brutal lies" about her in the programme and additionally claiming defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence and violations of her right of publicity.
Responding to the petition, a Netflix spokesperson told Sky News: "We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd's right to tell his story."
Related: Baby Reindeer's Jessica Gunning opens up about coming out
The woman is seeking to sue Netflix for $170m (£132m), claiming that the show lied in its portrayal of her which has "destroyed" her life.
"The lies that Defendants told about Harvey to over 50 million people worldwide include that Harvey is a twice convicted stalker who was sentenced to five years in prison, and that Harvey sexually assaulted Gadd," states the official court documents.
"Defendants told these lies, and never stopped, because it was a better story than the truth, and better stories made money."
Related: Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan joins Baby Reindeer star in new movie
Lawyers for the individual additionally claim that Netflix "did literally nothing" to confirm the true story presented by Gadd.
"As a result of the Defendants’ lies, malfeasance and utterly reckless misconduct, Harvey’s life had been ruined," they allege. "Simply, Netflix and Gadd destroyed her reputation, her character and her life."
Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd has previously and publicly shut down online speculation from viewers who have tried to identify the real-life individuals of the show's characters.
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Gadd plays Donny, a fictionalised version of himself in Baby Reindeer, with his stalker Martha (played by Jessica Gunning) and love interest Teri (Nava Mau) also based on real people. Gunning has also called efforts to identify her character's inspiration a "real, real shame".
"I deliberately didn't want to do an impersonation of somebody. I wanted to do an interpretation of this character," she said.
As of May 1, Baby Reindeer has been streamed by 22 million viewers, with a reported 87.4 million hours watched worldwide.
Baby Reindeer is streaming now on Netflix.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Call 999 if you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, or report any concerning situations using UK government resources or the Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service. The National Stalking Helpline is open 9.30am-4pm on weekdays (and until 8pm on Wednesdays) on 0808 802 0300.
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