Richard Gadd Stands Ready to Testify for Netflix: 'Baby Reindeer' Lawsuit Gets Wilder Than the Show
(Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
Richard Gadd, the mind behind Netflix's Emmy-nominated series "Baby Reindeer", is prepared to testify in the streamer’s $170 million lawsuit against Fiona Harvey, who claims she's the real-life inspiration for Gadd's character Martha. Move over, courtroom dramas, because this case has all the makings of a hit series itself!
Gadd, who isn't a defendant in the lawsuit, filed a declaration supporting Netflix, urging the court to dismiss the case. His show tells the gripping tale of Donny, an amateur comedian stalked and harassed by a woman named Martha, sending more correspondence than Santa on Christmas Eve. Martha eventually lands in jail, but Fiona Harvey says the plot is about as true as a unicorn sighting.
Harvey claims she never stalked Gadd, never went to prison, and certainly never gave anyone permission to portray her as a villainous pen pal. “I’m not a convicted stalker,” she insists, noting that no one even asked her to comment on the show’s accuracy. Apparently, the creative liberties taken are more extensive than a drunk storyteller at a campfire.
Gadd counters that "Baby Reindeer" is a dramatization, not a documentary. He recounts meeting Harvey at a pub in 2014, where she apparently memorized his work schedule better than his own manager. Harvey's alleged behavior included sending thousands of explicit and threatening messages, making Gadd feel like he was starring in his own horror flick.
Despite Gadd's assurances, Harvey’s lawyer, Richard Roth, is ready to grill Gadd and Netflix, claiming the “true story” tag is pure fiction. Netflix, however, stands firm, defending Gadd’s right to share his narrative, even if it has more embellishments than a Christmas tree.
Roth criticizes Netflix’s tangled stance, stating that they admit the series isn't a true story but then continue to attack Harvey. He eagerly awaits the courtroom drama that promises to be as thrilling as the series in question. In the meantime, Gadd remains out of the press, probably plotting his next move in this real-life legal thriller.
As the lawsuit unfolds, viewers and readers alike are left wondering: Will the truth come out, or will it be as elusive as Bigfoot? Tune in next time for more updates on this courtroom cliffhanger!