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Scottish woman, Fiona Harvey, has launched a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging that the streaming giant defamed her through a character in the hit drama series Baby Reindeer. The lawsuit, filed in a California court, seeks over $170 million in damages and claims that Netflix broadcast “brutal lies” about Harvey to over 50 million viewers worldwide.
The series Baby Reindeer tells the story of a comedian who is stalked by a woman he met at a pub. Harvey claims that the character Martha, played by Jessica Gunning, is based on her and that the show falsely depicts her as a convicted criminal who spent time in prison for stalking. She also denies allegations of sexually assaulting the show’s creator, Richard Gadd.
According to court documents, Harvey contends that Netflix chose to perpetuate falsehoods because “better stories made money.” The lawsuit claims that Netflix failed to verify Gadd’s story before creating the series and that the company did not confirm any details about the alleged stalking or assault.
Harvey’s lawyer, Richard Roth, asserts that there is “incontrovertible documentary evidence” proving Harvey has no criminal record. The lawsuit includes a background check and a certificate attesting to Harvey’s clean criminal record.
Since the series’ release in April, Harvey says she has received numerous death threats and has become increasingly reclusive. She described feeling “fearful of leaving her home or checking the news,” according to the lawsuit.
In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Harvey confirmed knowing Gadd during his time working at a London pub but denied sending him excessive emails or voicemails, as depicted in the series. “None of that’s true. I don’t think I sent him anything,” she stated, acknowledging only a few “jokey banter emails.”
The lawsuit also claims that real comments Harvey made to Gadd, such as a tweet from 2014, are used in the show’s dialogue.
Netflix and Richard Gadd have not confirmed Harvey’s identity as the basis for Martha, and Netflix has not responded to requests for comment.
The case raises questions about the responsibility of streaming services to ensure the accuracy of their content, particularly when it is based on real events. While Netflix has become known for its original content, the company has faced criticism in the past for its handling of sensitive topics.
In this case, Harvey’s lawsuit alleges that Netflix prioritized drama over truth, causing harm to her reputation and well-being. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the streaming industry and its approach to depicting real people and events in its content.
The case also highlights the importance of fact-checking and verification in media, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like stalking and assault. While the series Baby Reindeer is based on a true story, the lawsuit alleges that Netflix took creative liberties that had serious consequences for Harvey.
As the case moves forward, it will be important to watch how Netflix responds to the allegations and whether the company takes steps to address the concerns raised by Harvey’s lawsuit. Ultimately, the outcome of the case will have significant implications for the streaming industry and its approach to depicting real people and events in its content.
In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by Fiona Harvey against Netflix highlights the importance of accuracy and truth in media, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like stalking and assault. The case raises questions about the responsibility of streaming services to ensure the accuracy of their content and the importance of fact-checking and verification in media. As the case moves forward, it will be important to watch how Netflix responds to the allegations and whether the company takes steps to address the concerns raised by Harvey’s lawsuit.
