Netflix’s hit drama “Baby Reindeer” has received 11 Emmy nominations, including for best limited or anthology series, amidst an ongoing legal battle with a woman who claims she is falsely portrayed in the show.
The series, based on Richard Gadd’s real-life experiences, follows a struggling comic as he is stalked by a woman for over four years. While the show has been praised for its storytelling, it has also drawn criticism and legal action.
Fiona Harvey, a 58-year-old Scottish woman living in London, has filed a $170 million lawsuit against Netflix for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of her right to privacy, among other allegations. Harvey claims the series falsely depicts her as a convicted criminal who spent time in prison for stalking.
Harvey’s lawyer, Richard Roth, has called the Emmy nominations “a slap in the face” to his client. Roth told the UK’s Daily Mail that Harvey has suffered “a life-changing tragedy” due to what he describes as “brutal lies” told about her in the drama. He states that Harvey now fears going out in public and has received death threats online.
Netflix has responded to the lawsuit, stating they intend to “defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.” Gadd himself has defended the show as being the “emotional truth” and has discouraged viewers from attempting to identify real-life individuals portrayed in the series.
Despite the controversy, “Baby Reindeer” has gotten much critical acclaim. Gadd received nominations for lead actor and writing, while co-stars Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau were nominated for supporting actress roles.
