Netflix Hit w/ $170 Million Defamation Lawsuit From ‘Baby Reindeer’s’ Alleged Real-Life Martha

Netflix Hit w/ $170 Million Defamation Lawsuit From ‘Baby Reindeer’s’ Alleged Real-Life Martha

Streaming giant Netflix has been hit with a hefty lawsuit over the popular series Baby Reindeer.

The drama-thriller miniseries dropped in April and was created by/stars Richard Gadd. The show centers around aspiring comedian Donny Dunn (portrayed by Richard Gadd) and how his life is turned upside down following a chance encounter with a woman named Martha Scott (portrayed by Jessica Gunning). Martha becomes obsessed with Donny, stalking and threatening him in person and online. The story is reportedly based on true events that Richard Gadd experienced.

Since the show premiered, a Scottish woman named Fiona Harvey has publically said on numerous occasions that the character of Martha is based on her. However, she has adamantly denied the way she’s allegedly portrayed in the 7-episode show. Today (June 6) Fiona Harvey made her issues known in a lawsuit. According to reports, she’s suing Netflix for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and violations of her right of publicity. Fiona Harvey is seeking monetary damages of at least $170 million.

Fiona Harvey

The lawsuit states,

“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. Defendants told these lies, and never stopped, because it was a better story than the truth, and better stories made money.”

And continues,

“As a result of Defendants’ lies, malfeasance and utterly reckless misconduct, Harvey’s life had been ruined. Simply, Netflix and Gadd destroyed her reputation, her character and her life.”

Harvey recently appeared on Piers Morgan’s YouTube show, where she denied the stalking narrative highlighted on the series.

What are your thoughts on this entire situation? Tell us in the comments below! 

[VIA]