Real-Life „Martha“ from „Reindeer Baby“ Series Sues Netflix for $170 Million
The drama series „Reindeer Baby“ has been one of Netflix’s most successful productions this year. It is said to be based on a true case of extreme stalking. A British woman, who claims to be the real person behind the character of the stalker in the series, has filed a lawsuit against the US streaming service for damages amounting to $170 million. Fiona Harvey, in her lawsuit filed in California on Thursday, alleges that she suffered defamation and emotional distress as a result of the series.
Harvey has stated that she is the actual „Martha“ portrayed in the series as a relentless stalker who harasses a comedian for years. She argues that Netflix labeling the series as a „true story“ is „the biggest lie in the history of television.“ According to the lawsuit, the creator of the series, British comedian Richard Gadd, told this „lie“ out of greed and a desire for fame. The story is being misrepresented to attract more viewers, gain more attention, make more money, and maliciously destroy the life of the plaintiff, Fiona Harvey.
A spokesperson for Netflix has stated that the company will vigorously defend against the lawsuit and support Gadd’s right to tell his story. Gadd plays a fictionalized version of himself, a comedian named Donny Dunn, in the seven-part series based on his one-man theater show. Despite Gadd altering details of the stalker to protect her identity, amateur detectives quickly identified Harvey and reached out to her on social media. Harvey then voluntarily came forward and denied in interviews that she bombarded Gadd with emails and other online messages or physically assaulted him.
The lawsuit against Netflix claims that the series spreads „lies,“ including Harvey being convicted of stalking twice, sentenced to five years in prison, and sexually assaulting Gadd. These „lies“ were told because they „make a better story than the truth – and better stories make money.“ (AFP)
Keywords: Reindeer Baby, Martha, Netflix, lawsuit, stalking, defamation
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This article was rewritten based on the news article provided, focusing on the lawsuit filed against Netflix by the real-life person behind the character in the series „Reindeer Baby.“ The content is informative, newsworthy, and engaging for readers interested in entertainment and legal matters.