Netflix Star Richard Gadd Alleges Real-Life Harassment Amidst $170M Defamation Lawsuit
July 31, 2024Richard Gadd, the creator and star of the Netflix series 'Baby Reindeer,' has filed a court declaration alleging that Fiona Harvey, who is suing Netflix for defamation, harassed him in real life.
Gadd's declaration details a troubling history of harassment, including thousands of disturbing emails and voicemails from Harvey, which he described as exhausting and upsetting.
He reported feeling scared and paranoid during the harassment, often hiding from her at work and fearing for his safety and that of his family.
Gadd initially met Harvey in 2014 while working at the Hawley Arms pub, where he offered her assistance after noticing her distress, but their interactions soon escalated into harassment.
The series 'Baby Reindeer' is inspired by Gadd's real-life experiences as a stalking victim, which he creatively transformed into a narrative exploring deep emotional truths.
Gadd emphasizes that while the series is 'emotionally truthful,' it is a fictional representation of his experiences rather than a direct recounting of events.
Netflix is seeking to dismiss Harvey's lawsuit, arguing that the depiction of the character 'Martha' is substantially true and based on Gadd's experiences.
Harvey has filed a $170 million lawsuit against Netflix and Gadd, claiming defamation and emotional distress, asserting that the series misrepresents her life.
In her lawsuit, Harvey claims the series portrays her as a convicted stalker, a claim she argues is unsubstantiated and has caused her significant emotional distress.
The court's decision on the matter is still pending, suggesting ongoing developments in this legal drama surrounding the series.
Following the release of 'Baby Reindeer,' Gadd reported an increase in calls to a male sexual abuse charity, indicating the show's impact on viewers.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Jul 30, 2024
Creator of ‘Baby Reindeer’ Calls Show ‘Emotionally True’ but ‘Fictionalized’The Guardian • Jul 30, 2024
Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd responds to Fiona Harvey’s lawsuit against NetflixLos Angeles Times • Jul 30, 2024
'Baby Reindeer' got dark. Richard Gadd's life since is brighter - Los Angeles TimesVariety • Jul 29, 2024
'Baby Reindeer's' Richard Gadd Tells of 'Extremely Upsetting' Stalking