Seven months after its release on Netflix, a judge has determined that *Baby Reindeer* cannot be recognized as a “true story,” thus allowing Fiona Harvey to continue with her defamation lawsuit.
Shortly after the stalker horror narrative debuted on Netflix, online sleuths began alleging that Fiona Harvey represented the “real-life Martha.” In the ensuing months, Harvey embarked on a campaign to refute these claims, including a highly controversial appearance on Piers Morgan’s show in what has become one of the most talked-about interviews of 2024.
In June, Harvey initiated a defamation lawsuit against Netflix for $170 million, claiming that *Baby Reindeer* misrepresented her experiences of sexual assault and imprisonment. These allegations were portrayed in the series, which Netflix labeled as based on a “true story.”
In July, Netflix attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, with Richard Gadd asserting that Harvey had stalked him for several years, sexually harassed him, and inundated him with over 41,000 emails and 350 hours of voicemail. Although Harvey was not imprisoned in reality, Gadd claims that he reported her to the authorities.
On Friday, September 27, Judge Gary Klausner ruled that despite the series opening with the phrase “This is a true story” (which, according to a report by The Times, was requested by Netflix rather than Gadd), certain elements portrayed were more severe than the actual accusations against Harvey.
Klausner stated: “There is a significant distinction between stalking and being legally convicted of stalking. Furthermore, there are critical differences between inappropriate touching and sexual assault, as well as between shoving and gouging someone’s eyes.”
“While the plaintiff’s alleged actions are abhorrent, the defendants’ statements reflect a greater degree of severity that could influence a viewer’s perception differently.”
It was emphasized that the characterization in the series could easily lead “a reasonable viewer” to associate the fictional character of Martha with Fiona Harvey.
The judge further noted: “This case is not typical, where a plaintiff is merely one of countless individuals that might match a fictional character’s broad traits.”
As a result of the ruling, Harvey’s claims of negligence, violation of publicity rights, and punitive damages were dismissed. However, she retains the ability to pursue a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
For more information, discover why Martha referred to Donny as “Baby Reindeer.” You can also check out Fiona Harvey’s tweets to Richard Gadd, as well as ten movies and TV shows to watch after *Baby Reindeer*.
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