Netflix Admits No Conviction for Baby Reindeer Inspiration

Netflix has acknowledged that Fiona Harvey, the real-life inspiration for the character Martha in the series Baby Reindeer, was never convicted of stalking Richard Gadd, contrary to the show's portrayal. This admission surfaced amidst Harvey's $170 million defamation lawsuit against the streaming service, which she claims misrepresented her as a convicted stalker. Netflix's senior UK director of public policy, Benjamin King, clarified that Harvey was only subject to a court order rather than a conviction, responding to inquiries from the British Parliament. The show, marketed as a 'true story,' depicts Martha pleading guilty and being sentenced to prison, which Harvey argues is 'the biggest lie in television history.' Gadd has supported Netflix's position and filed a declaration detailing the harassment he endured during his interactions with Harvey. The outcome of the lawsuit now hinges on the implications of Netflix's admission on the alleged defamatory statements made in the series.