‘Baby Reindeer’: Netflix Admits Real-Life Martha Never Convicted of Stalking Series Star
Netflix has admitted that the inspiration for the character of Martha in Baby Reindeer was — despite the show’s “true story” claims — never convicted of stalking the series’ star Richard Gadd, an admission that could have implications in the woman’s $170 million lawsuit against the streaming service.
The revelation came in a response to an inquiry by England’s House of Commons amid the Baby Reindeer craze in May. At the time, Netflix executive Benjamin King told the House of Commons, “Baby Reindeer is obviously a true story of the horrific abuse that [Richard Gadd] suffered at the hands of a convicted stalker.” In response, John Nicolson, a now-former member of the House, asked King and Netflix to provide “a record of conviction” pertaining to Fiona Harvey, who — thanks to an internet paper trail — viewers of Baby Reindeer quickly identified as the person who Martha was based on.
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According to Deadline, Netflix’s King did ultimately respond in May to the British Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee in regards to the “true story” and conviction claim to “clarify” his initial statement to the House of Commons.
“The person on whom the show is based — who we have at no point sought to identify — was subject to a court order than a conviction,” King wrote in his letter. “The writer of Baby Reindeer endured serious harassment over many months (as it now seems has been the case for many others), which had a significant impact on his wellbeing.”
Harvey’s lawsuit against Netflix — which alleges “defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence, and violations of Harvey’s right of publicity” — accuses the streaming service of inadequately protecting her real identity, as well as Netflix’s repeated claims that the series is a “true story.” Harvey “is not a convicted stalker and King’s and Netflix’s statement is a defamatory lie,” the lawsuit claims.
Netflix’s admission that the “true story” is completely true could impact its arguments when the lawsuit does go to trial. Earlier this week, Gadd — the Baby Reindeer star and creator who surprisingly was not among the defendants on Harvey’s lawsuit — said that he would testify in support of Netflix if called during trial.
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