UK-based Fiona Harvey has launched a $170 million lawsuit against streaming giant Netflix. The lawsuit alleges defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence, and violations of her right of publicity.
The controversy? Netflix's hit drama series "Baby Reindeer" and its portrayal of a relentless stalker named Martha, who Harvey claims is based on her.
The seven-episode limited series, based on a one-man stage show by Richard Gadd, follows the story of a man named Donny Dunn who becomes the target of Martha's obsessive behaviour. While the character Martha wreaks havoc on Dunn's life in the show, Harvey asserts that none of the depicted events occurred.
According to the lawsuit, Netflix's portrayal of Harvey as a twice-convicted stalker who sexually assaulted Gadd is entirely fabricated.
Harvey has denied sending 41,000 emails, hundreds of voice messages and 106 letters to Gadd. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Harvey said that she didn't send him anything. "There may have been a couple of emails, jokey banter, but that is it.”
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The opening credits of the first episode of the series state that "this is a true story”. In her complaint, the plaintiff has called it the "biggest lie in television history." The end credits, however, state that it is "based on real events: however certain characters, names, incidents, locations, and dialogue have been fictionalised for dramatic purposes”.
Harvey's legal action targets Netflix's negligence in verifying the accuracy of the depicted events and their failure to understand the real relationship between her and Gadd, if any. The lawsuit alleges that Netflix prioritised sensational storytelling over factual accuracy, leading to irreparable damage to Harvey's reputation and life.
Despite Harvey publicly denying the allegations and providing evidence to the contrary, the lawsuit claims that Netflix continued to perpetuate false narratives to millions of viewers worldwide.
Netflix, however, has responded defiantly, stating its intention to vigorously defend the matter and uphold Richard Gadd's right to tell his story. Gadd, the creator of "Baby Reindeer," has not been named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
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The controversy? Netflix's hit drama series "Baby Reindeer" and its portrayal of a relentless stalker named Martha, who Harvey claims is based on her.
The seven-episode limited series, based on a one-man stage show by Richard Gadd, follows the story of a man named Donny Dunn who becomes the target of Martha's obsessive behaviour. While the character Martha wreaks havoc on Dunn's life in the show, Harvey asserts that none of the depicted events occurred.
According to the lawsuit, Netflix's portrayal of Harvey as a twice-convicted stalker who sexually assaulted Gadd is entirely fabricated.
Harvey has denied sending 41,000 emails, hundreds of voice messages and 106 letters to Gadd. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Harvey said that she didn't send him anything. "There may have been a couple of emails, jokey banter, but that is it.”
Also Read: Mick Jagger, strutting at 80, teases new album and more touring
The opening credits of the first episode of the series state that "this is a true story”. In her complaint, the plaintiff has called it the "biggest lie in television history." The end credits, however, state that it is "based on real events: however certain characters, names, incidents, locations, and dialogue have been fictionalised for dramatic purposes”.
Harvey's legal action targets Netflix's negligence in verifying the accuracy of the depicted events and their failure to understand the real relationship between her and Gadd, if any. The lawsuit alleges that Netflix prioritised sensational storytelling over factual accuracy, leading to irreparable damage to Harvey's reputation and life.
Despite Harvey publicly denying the allegations and providing evidence to the contrary, the lawsuit claims that Netflix continued to perpetuate false narratives to millions of viewers worldwide.
Netflix, however, has responded defiantly, stating its intention to vigorously defend the matter and uphold Richard Gadd's right to tell his story. Gadd, the creator of "Baby Reindeer," has not been named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Also Read: New 'Hunger Games' movie in the works following Suzanne Collins' fifth novel
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