Netflix Loses Defamation Case in ‘Baby Reindeer’ Lawsuit

Baby Reindeer is a captivating black comedy-drama series that debuted on Netflix on April 11, 2024. Created by comedian and writer Richard Gadd, who also plays the main character, Donny Dunn, the show intricately intertwines humor with darker themes.

The narrative centers around Donny, an aspiring stand-up comedian striving to gain recognition in the competitive industry while performing at local clubs. He also works as a bartender, where he becomes the target of an intense and disturbing obsession from a customer named Martha. Martha, portrayed by Jessica Gunning, becomes infatuated with Donny, stalking him online and in real life, leading to unsettling email exchanges.

Baby Reindeer quickly gained popularity on Netflix, winning several prestigious accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards. Netflix marketed the series as based on true events. However, the real Martha, Fiona Harvey, was discovered by fans online and she alleged that the series exaggerated her actions, initiating a defamation lawsuit against the streaming giant.

The court ruled that Fiona could indeed take legal action, as Netflix was unable to demonstrate that the events depicted in the series were factual.

The Judge allows the real Martha to sue Netflix

Fiona Harvey accused Netflix of portraying her alleged stalking behavior towards Richard Gadd in a misleading manner, claiming it falsely suggested she sexually assaulted him and gouged his eyes. Furthermore, the show asserted that she had served time in prison, which she contested.

In July, Netflix attempted to have the case dismissed; however, Judge Gary Klausner ruled that Harvey could continue her lawsuit since the company did not convincingly present that the events depicted were based in reality.

Although Richard Gadd reported Fiona to the police, resulting in a harassment warning, it was incorrectly suggested in the series that she faced months of imprisonment.

The judge emphasized that Netflix’s claim of Baby Reindeer being a true story could not be deemed valid, pointing out that Martha’s actions in the series were exaggerated compared to the real-life allegations against Fiona.

Judge Klausner allowed Fiona to claim intentional infliction of emotional distress but dismissed her other claims, including negligence and violation of her publicity rights.

Judge Gary Klausner wrote:

“There is a major difference between stalking and being convicted of stalking in a court of law. Likewise, there are major differences between inappropriate touching and sexual assault, as well as between shoving and gouging another’s eyes. While the plaintiff’s purported actions are reprehensible, Defendants’ statements are of a worse degree and could produce a different effect in the mind of a viewer.”

What is Baby Reindeer about?

Baby Reindeer chronicles the life of Donny Dunn, a downtrodden comedian juggling his job as a bartender in a London pub and the obsessive attention of Martha. For three grueling years, Martha relentlessly stalks him, inundating him with hundreds of voice messages and alarming emails.

Donny’s torment comes to a halt when he enlists the help of law enforcement. The show delves into his traumatic past with Darrien O’Connor, a senior TV writer who exploited Donny by supplying him with drugs and abusing him during blackouts. Years later, Donny unwittingly agrees to reestablish his professional relationship with Darrien.

Caught between Martha’s obsession and Darrien’s abuse, Donny musters the courage to confront his inner demons.

Cast of Baby Reindeer

• Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn
• Jessica Gunning as Martha Scott
• Nava Mau as Teresa
• Tom Goodman-Hill as Darrien O’Connor
• Nina Sosanya as Liz
• Michael Wildman as Greggsy
• Danny Kirrane as Gino
• Thomas Coombes as Officer Daniels
• Shalom Brune-Franklin as Keeley
• Tom Durant Pritchard as Jason
• Laura Smyth as Glenda
• Will Hislop as Billy
• Amanda Root as Elle
• Mark Lewis Jones as Gerry
• Hugh Cole as Francis
• Josh Finan as Diggsy
• Alexandria Riley as Detective Culver

Baby Reindeer is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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