Los Angeles, California – A lawsuit has been filed against Netflix by a woman claiming to be the inspiration behind the stalker character Martha in the series “Baby Reindeer,” seeking more than $170 million in damages for defamation and emotional distress. The series, created by comedian Richard Gadd, is based on his personal experiences, with Martha portrayed as stalking his character Donny. Despite Gadd stating that Martha is not based on the real individual, Fiona Harvey, 58, has come forward alleging she is the inspiration after facing online harassment.
Harvey’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, criticizes Netflix for its portrayal of her without verifying facts. The lawsuit accuses Netflix of defamation for claiming on the show’s title card that it is a true story, describing it as the “biggest lie in television history.” Harvey’s attorney, Richard Roth, highlights Netflix’s negligence in contacting her or fact-checking before depicting her as a convicted criminal.
After publicly stating her intention to take legal action against Netflix, Harvey disputes the show’s portrayal of events and behaviors. The lawsuit clarifies that Harvey has never been convicted of any crime or stalked Gadd, contrasting with the character Martha’s actions in the series. Harvey’s identity was allegedly left easily identifiable despite efforts to fictionalize events, leading to online harassment and threatening messages.
The lawsuit emphasizes the impact of Netflix’s actions on Harvey, causing emotional distress and ruining her reputation. Harvey, a Scottish lawyer living in London, expresses fear of going out in public due to the harassment she has faced. The lawsuit blames Netflix and Gadd for destroying her character, reputation, and life with their “reckless misconduct.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the case sheds light on the consequences of fictionalized portrayals in entertainment media and the importance of verifying facts before depicting real individuals in fictional works. Harvey’s struggle with the aftermath of being linked to a fictional character underscores the complexities of storytelling and the potential harm it can cause when based on real events without proper verification. The lawsuit serves as a cautionary tale for creators and platforms to handle real-life inspirations with care to avoid harming innocent individuals in the process.