Richard Gadd Defends ‘Baby Reindeer’ as Fiona Harvey Sues Netflix Over Stalking Portrayal

Richard Gadd, the creator and star of the series “Baby Reindeer,” recently elaborated on the distressing stalking experience he allegedly endured, which is at the center of a $170 million lawsuit filed by Fiona Harvey against Netflix. Gadd submitted a 21-page document to a California court, detailing the “stalking, harassment, abuse, and threats” he claims to have suffered from Harvey between 2014 and 2017.

Richard Gadd is preparing to testify in support of Netflix in its $170 million lawsuit brought by Fiona Harvey, a Scottish woman who claims the show misrepresented her as a convicted stalker.

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Harvey’s lawsuit against Netflix, filed in June, accuses the streaming platform of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence, and violation of her right to publicity. Although “Baby Reindeer” is promoted as a “true story,” Harvey, who publicly identified herself as the inspiration for the character Martha Scott, disputes the portrayal. She denies being a stalker and claims she only sent Gadd a few emails, one letter, and about 18 messages on X (formerly Twitter), rather than the alleged 41,000 emails and hundreds of voice messages.

In his court filing, Gadd emphasized that “Baby Reindeer” is a “fictionalized retelling” of his experiences, designed to convey an emotional truth rather than a factual account. “The Series is a dramatic work,” he wrote. “It is not a documentary or an attempt at realism. While based on my life and real events, it is not a beat-by-beat recounting of events and emotions as they transpired. It is fictionalized and not intended to portray actual facts.”

The series originated from a theater production Gadd performed at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which was also based on real-life events. However, Gadd clarified that the series dramatizes these events for storytelling purposes and that the character Martha Scott is not intended to represent Fiona Harvey.

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Richard Gadd is breaking his silence on Fiona Harvey’s lawsuit. He speaks out at the link. pic.twitter.com/VWfpyBC7hE

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Gadd recounted meeting Harvey while working at the Hawley Arms pub in London in 2014, initially considering her “harmless.” However, he alleged that she soon began behaving inappropriately, including unwanted physical contact. Over the next two years, Gadd claimed he received thousands of emails, voicemails, and letters from Harvey, many of which contained “sexually explicit, violent, derogatory content, hateful speech, and threats.” He reported the situation to the police in February 2016, leading to a First Instance Harassment Warning being issued against Harvey in May 2016. The communication stopped briefly, but Gadd claimed he received a letter with a pair of underwear in August 2017.

Gadd described the entire experience as “an incredibly stressful and worrying time,” marked by relentless behavior over several years. He stated that he is prepared to testify if called upon.

In response, Harvey has denied any wrongdoing, telling Piers Morgan, “I don’t think I sent him anything. There may have been a couple of emails, jokey banter, but that is it.”

Harvey is seeking $50 million in actual damages, $50 million in compensatory damages for “mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, and loss of business,” $50 million for “all profits from ‘Baby Reindeer,'” and $20 million in punitive damages. She claims that Netflix and Gadd’s actions have “ruined” her reputation and life.

Richard Gadd breaks silence on $170M lawsuit over Netflix’s Baby Reindeer

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A Netflix spokesperson responded to the lawsuit, stating, “We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.” “Baby Reindeer” is currently one of Netflix’s top 10 most popular shows.

Major Points:

• Richard Gadd claims he was subjected to “stalking, harassment, abuse, and threats” by Fiona Harvey between 2014 and 2017, as detailed in a 21-page court document.
• Harvey filed a $170 million lawsuit against Netflix, accusing them of defamation and other charges related to her portrayal in the series “Baby Reindeer.”
• Harvey, who identified herself as the inspiration for the character Martha Scott, denies being a stalker and disputes the extent of the communications Gadd alleges.
• Gadd emphasized that “Baby Reindeer” is a “fictionalized retelling” and not an accurate depiction of real events, despite being emotionally true to his experiences.
• Netflix plans to defend the case, standing by Gadd’s right to share his story. The series is among Netflix’s top 10 most popular shows.

Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News