‘Baby Reindeer’ Real-life Martha Threatens Lawsuit Against Netflix
Baby Reindeer‘s real-life Martha has vocally criticized the Netflix series, calling it “obscene” and “defamatory.” She is now planning to sue the streaming platform. Fiona Harvey, the Scottish lawyer who inspired the show, made these remarks during an interview with Piers Morgan. Harvey expressed her displeasure with how the series portrayed her story. She intends to take legal action against Netflix to defend her reputation.
Controversial “True Story”
Although Baby Reindeer was promoted as a “true story,” Harvey believes it is a work of fiction and hyperbole. She expressed her disbelief and stated her willingness to challenge the accuracy of the series in court. Despite the controversy surrounding its authenticity, the show has gained significant global popularity.
Harvey a Target of Internet Speculation
Since the show’s release, internet sleuths quickly identified Harvey as the real-life inspiration behind the character Martha. As a result, Harvey claimed to have received death threats and unsolicited phone calls from strangers. She condemned the online abuse and harassment she has endured and emphasized the negative impact it has had on her life.
Harvey’s Side of the Story
During her interview with Piers Morgan, Harvey clarified that she had never been charged or received a jail sentence for stalking, as depicted in the show. She disputed various instances portrayed in the series, such as sending thousands of emails and heckling Richard Gadd, the writer and main character. Harvey described the show as deceptive and expressed her distress over the misconceptions it has created about her.
Netflix’s Response
Netflix has publicly stood by Baby Reindeer and its presentation as a true story. The streaming platform maintained that it followed strict measures to safeguard the anonymity of individuals involved in the show. Furthermore, Benjamin King, Senior Public Policy Director of Netflix UK, defended the creative decisions, claiming that censoring the story would be restricting the freedom of expression and the ability to voice personal experiences.
Show’s Unexpected Popularity
Despite the ongoing controversy, Baby Reindeer has experienced overwhelming success on Netflix, accumulating nearly 54 million views in a short period. It has consistently ranked as the top English-language series on the platform for three consecutive weeks.
Legal Battle Ahead
As Harvey prepares to take her legal battle to court, claiming defamation, the controversy surrounding Baby Reindeer continues to ignite discussions about the responsibilities of creators and the line between artistic expression and personal reputations.
