Baby Reindeer muse files $170 million lawsuit against Netflix

A British woman, Fiona Harvey, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, claiming she was the inspiration for the stalker character in the popular series “Baby Reindeer” and demanding $170 million in damages. Harvey alleges that the show’s creator, Richard Gadd, and Netflix fabricated lies about her to attract more viewers and make more money.

The series, based on Gadd’s one-man play, follows a fictionalized version of the author who becomes the target of a delusional and abusive woman named Martha. The show portrays Martha as a convicted stalker who harasses Gadd with thousands of messages and even sexually assaults him.

Harvey denies the allegations made against her in the show, stating that she never bombarded Gadd with messages or attacked him or his girlfriend. She claims that Netflix and Gadd spread false information about her to create a more sensational story.

The lawsuit, filed in California, accuses Netflix of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. Harvey is seeking $170 million in damages for the harm caused to her reputation and emotional well-being.

Netflix has stated that they will vigorously defend the lawsuit and stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story. The series “Baby Reindeer” premiered on Netflix in April and quickly gained popularity, but now faces legal challenges from the real-life inspiration behind the character of Martha.