The controversy surrounding Netflix show Baby Reindeer continues to evolve, with new developments in the legal case implicating the streaming service as responsible for the initial controversial detail.
Despite achieving tremendous success on the streaming platform, the Netflix series Baby Reindeer has faced challenges off-screen.
Despite being identified by fans as the “real-life Martha Scott,”58-year-old Fiona Harvey has consistently denied these claims and taken legal action against Netflix and the show’s creator, Richard Gadd.
The basis of Harvey’s case is a claim of $130 million for defamation. This is due to a statement made in the opening moments of the show, where it is stated that the storyline is “a true story.”However, there is no proof that Harvey has ever been charged or convicted by the police, which contradicts Martha’s story in the show.
Allegations have been made that Netflix was the main instigator behind the inclusion of this line in Baby Reindeer, despite Gadd expressing concerns.
Netflix allegedly requested for the “This is a true story” statement to be added to ‘BABY REINDEER’ despite Richard Gadd expressing concern about presenting it like that.(Source: https://t.co/P7EtbuuJ9y) pic.twitter.com/LjJtc6l7Bp
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 19, 2024
According to The Times, sources in the TV industry have revealed that the controversial line in “Baby Reindeer”was requested by Netflix. Despite concerns expressed by Gadd, neither Netflix nor Gadd’s representatives provided a comment when approached for verification by The Sunday Times.
“An addendum at the end of the credits, which may have gone unnoticed, includes a disclaimer stating that certain aspects of the series, which was produced by Clerkenwell Films in London, have been fictionalized for dramatic effect.”
It is yet to be determined what implications this has for the case, however, Harvey’s attorney Richard Roth has already publicly commented on the potential impact on streaming TV as a “watershed moment.”
“According to him, the second reason is that it is simply unacceptable when a person claims something to be ‘a true story’. He believes that if Netflix labels something as a true story, it should indeed be true. He also stated that it is irresponsible of Netflix to do otherwise.”
Although numerous articles and tweets have been discovered referencing Harvey’s previous name, Fiona Muir, there has never been any evidence of her having a criminal record or being convicted. In the last episode of Baby Reindeer, Martha (Jessica Gunning) is shown in a courtroom, where she is found guilty for leaving a menacing voicemail on Donny’s (Gadd) phone.
During an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Harvey initially announced her plans to take legal action against Gadd and Netflix, declaring, “They have marketed it as a true story, when in reality it is not.”
To discover more about Baby Reindeer, check out these recommended TV shows and movies. You can also browse through the top series of 2024 and stay updated on the new shows coming to streaming services this month.
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