Credits: Netflix.
On Netflix, I’m portrayed as a stalker. That’s a lie! Those are the words of Fiona Harvey, a 58-year-old Scottish lawyer, accusing the series Baby Reindeer of defamation. The series, inspired by real events, tells the story of Donny, played by Richard Gadd, who is stalked by a woman for years.
Video unavailableMartha, the character inspired by Harvey and portrayed by the talented actress Jessica Gunning, goes from friend to unsettling obsessive, following Donny everywhere and harassing those close to him. Harvey says this portrayal is false and exaggerated. She defends herself in an interview, saying she only met Gadd a few times and denies any obsession or harassment.
Since the series premiered, Harvey has received death threats online. She calls the series "horrific, obscene, and misogynistic" and accuses Gadd of being the obsessed one. According to her, he exaggerated their interaction to get revenge. Harvey plans to sue Netflix and Gadd for defamation, although such an action could require examination of her computer equipment and criminal record.
Netflix, for its part, says it carried out all the necessary checks. In the meantime, the series continues to get people talking.