Real Martha From 'Baby Reindeer' Has Filed $170 Million Lawsuit Against Netflix

Fiona Harvey, the woman believed to have inspired the character of Martha in the hit Netflix series 'Baby Reindeer,' has taken legal action against the streaming giant, seeking a hefty $170 million (£133m) in damages. The lawsuit, filed in the US district court for the central district of California, accuses Netflix of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence and violations of her right of publicity.

The drama series, created and written by comedian Richard Gadd, depicts his real-life experience of being relentlessly stalked by an older woman named Martha. Despite its success, the show has landed Netflix in hot water, with Harvey contesting many aspects of her portrayal. In her first TV interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Harvey threatened legal action against both Gadd and Netflix, stating her intent to pursue those who misrepresented her.

Also Read: Why Giving Attention to The Real Martha From ‘Baby Reindeer’ is a Bad Idea

While Harvey admits to being the inspiration behind the character, she vehemently denies the extreme behaviours attributed to her in the series, such as sending thousands of emails and letters to Gadd. She refutes claims of being a convicted stalker or serving time in prison, asserting that the depiction in 'Baby Reindeer' has tarnished her reputation and caused significant distress.

The lawsuit accuses Netflix of perpetuating falsehoods without verifying the facts, leading to irreparable harm to Harvey's life and livelihood. Seeking substantial damages for actual harm, mental anguish, loss of business, and punitive measures, Harvey aims to hold Netflix accountable for its portrayal of her in the series.

Netflix has indicated its intent to vigorously defend against the lawsuit, standing by Gadd's right to tell his story. Gadd himself has maintained that while some events in the series were dramatized for effect, the emotional truth of the story remains intact. He emphasizes the artistic interpretation of real-life events while protecting the individuals involved.

Harvey's legal battle has attracted attention, with Laura Wray, a former employer, claiming she too was stalked by Harvey. Wray's assertions add another layer of complexity to the ongoing saga surrounding 'Baby Reindeer' and the real-life individuals it portrays.