The woman alleged to be the inspiration for the stalker in the hit Netflix series “Baby Reindeer” is suing the streaming platform for $170 million (£133 million).
The show is based on writer Richard Gadd’s real-life experiences, where he portrays himself dealing with a stalker named Martha Scott.
Fiona Harvey, 58, claims she is the real-life inspiration for Martha, who starts stalking Gadd after he serves her a free cup of tea at the pub where he works.
Harvey’s lawsuit accuses Netflix of spreading “brutal lies,” including claims that she is a “twice convicted stalker” who served five years in prison. She asserts that these falsehoods have ruined her life.
The legal documents, filed in a Californian federal court, charge Netflix with defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence, and violations of her right of publicity.
Harvey claims she was “forced” to come forward after receiving online death threats from “internet sleuths,” and she consistently denies being a stalker, describing the series as “a work of fiction.”
Richard Gadd has urged fans to stop trying to identify the real-life counterparts of the show’s characters, stating he would have made it a documentary if that was his intention.
Harvey’s lawyer, Richard Roth, argues that Netflix never contacted her, checked the facts, or made any effort to verify the truth of its “true story.”
The lawsuit seeks actual and compensatory damages of $50 million (£39 million) each, punitive damages of $20 million (£16 million), and “all profits” from “Baby Reindeer” amounting to $50 million (£39 million).
Netflix has stated its intention to defend the matter vigorously and support Gadd’s right to tell his story.
