A woman claiming to be the inspiration behind the stalker character Martha in “Baby Reindeer” has criticized the popular Netflix show, labeling it “defamatory” and asserting that much of the plot is fictionalized.
Comedian Richard Gadd created and starred in the series, which revolves around his character, Donny, being stalked by an older woman named Martha (portrayed by Jessica Gunning). While Gadd has stated that the story draws from his personal experiences, he has clarified that the character Martha does not closely resemble her real-life counterpart.
Following the show’s surge in popularity, speculation about the identity of the real Martha intensified online, prompting Gadd to appeal to fans to cease their unfounded conjectures.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, uploaded to his YouTube page, Fiona Harvey, 58, revealed feeling compelled to speak out about her experience after enduring online harassment from internet sleuths.
Harvey expressed her intention to pursue legal action against both Gadd and Netflix, asserting that neither party had reached out to her regarding the show, which she has not watched.
Gadd’s Netflix series was adapted from his one-man show, originally presented at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, exploring themes of obsession, delusion, and the aftermath of a chance encounter.
Disputing several incidents and details depicted in the show, Harvey clarified that her interactions with Gadd differed significantly from the portrayal on screen.
Amidst heightened scrutiny surrounding the show, viewers attempted to identify real-life counterparts for characters beyond Martha, including Darrien, a TV comedy writer accused of sexual assault. Accusations were leveled at British actor, writer, and director Sean Foley, prompting him to involve the police due to online harassment.
Despite Gadd’s attempts to address the matter and convey his perspective, Harvey remains unconvinced of his empathy towards her ordeal.
