Netflix responds as allegedly real Martha sues for £133m for Baby Reindeer

Netflix has publicly responded to a new lawsuit filed against them by the supposedly real Martha from the hit series Baby Reindeer.

The Netflix series is based on creator and star Richard Gadd's real-life experience of being stalked by a woman, named Martha Scott in the series. After its release, Fiona Harvey came forward publicly, claiming to be the inspiration for the character.

She has now filed a lawsuit in the US against the streaming service, for broadcasting “brutal lies” about her in the program and for defamation, intentional emotional infliction, negligence, gross negligence and violation of her right to the image.

In response to the petition, a Netflix spokesperson told Sky News: “We intend to defend this case vigorously and defend Richard Gadd's right to tell his story.”

Related: Baby Reindeer's Jessica Gunning Opens Up About Coming Out

The woman is seeking to sue Netflix for $170 million (£132 million), claiming the show lied in its portrayal of her which “destroyed” her life.

“The lies defendants have told about Harvey to more than 50 million people around the world include that Harvey is a twice-convicted stalker sentenced to five years in prison, and that Harvey sexually assaulted Gadd,” official court documents state.

“The defendants told these lies, and never stopped, because it was a better story than the truth, and the best stories made money.”

Related: Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan Joins Baby Reindeer Star in New Film

The individual's lawyers further claim that Netflix “did literally nothing” to confirm the true story presented by Gadd.

“As a result of the defendants’ lies, wrongdoing and completely reckless conduct, Harvey’s life was ruined,” they allege. “Quite simply, Netflix and Gadd destroyed his reputation, his character and his life.”

Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd previously and publicly shut down online speculation from viewers attempting to identify the real-life individuals of the show's characters.

Related: Who is Llewellyn Harrison? Baby Reindeer Episode 6 Dedication Explained

Gadd plays Donny, a fictionalized version of himself in Baby Reindeer, along with his stalker Martha (played by Jessica Gunning) and his love interest Teri (Nava Mau), also based on real people. Gunning also called efforts to identify the inspiration for his character a “really, really shame.”

“I deliberately didn't want to impersonate anyone. I wanted to do an interpretation of that character,” she said.

As of May 1, Baby Reindeer has been streamed by 22 million viewers, with a total of 87.4 million hours watched worldwide.

Baby reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.

We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics discussed in this article to contact us. Call 999 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, or report any concerns using UK government resources or the Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service. The National Stalking Helpline is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays (and until 8 p.m. Wednesdays) on 0808 802 0300.

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