Fiona Harvey, a Scottish woman, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix for at least $170 million, alleging defamation in the hit mini-series “Baby Reindeer.”
Harvey claims she was portrayed inaccurately as a stalker in the show, which she alleges has caused her significant harm.
In the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles federal court, Harvey asserts that she was the inspiration behind the character Martha, played by actress Jessica Gunning, due to their physical resemblance and shared profession as lawyers in London. However, Harvey contends that the portrayal in the series went too far by suggesting she was a convicted stalker sentenced to five years in prison, allegations she vehemently denies.
Despite her denials, Harvey claims that many viewers couldn’t distinguish between fact and fiction, leading to widespread discussions on platforms like Reddit and TikTok referring to her as the “real” Martha. The lawsuit alleges that Netflix and series creator Richard Gadd perpetuated these falsehoods for the sake of a more compelling narrative and financial gain.
In response to the lawsuit, Netflix stated its intention to vigorously defend against the claims and uphold Gadd’s right to tell his story. The lawsuit seeks substantial damages, including compensation for mental anguish and profits, along with punitive damages.
Harvey’s lawsuit comes shortly after Netflix settled a similar defamation case with former prosecutor Linda Fairstein. The streaming giant agreed to adjust disclaimers for future series and donate to a nonprofit aiding wrongfully convicted individuals in that instance.