Baby Reindeer, released on Netflix, received mixed reviews. According to sources, rumors spread that the story was based on a 48-year-old woman from Scotland. Moreover, the series’ creator Richard Gad wrote the series based on a true story and faced doubts about its veracity.
Fiona Harvey, who claimed to be the real-life Martha, sued Netflix for damages, alleging that the series is a scam. The suit, reportedly worth $170 million, sought to prove that the series was based on real events.
Now, according to recent reports, on September 10, a federal judge has set a May 6 trial date for Fiona Harvey’s major action against Netflix. The proceedings are estimated to last about two weeks.
While Netflix had nothing to say about a trial start date for the series, according to Deadline, the company led by Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters reiterated its earlier statement, and confirmed its intention to “vigorously defend this case and stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.”
The lawsuit, filed on June 6, 2024, stated that the baby reindeer character Martha was based on him, but the show’s creator and star Richard Gadd disputed this, saying that Martha is a fictional character with different traits from Harvey.
Additionally, Gad’s July 28 announcement supported Netflix’s effort to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that the show’s “true story” disclaimer is not literal and calling Harvey’s defamation claim “inadequate”.
In his statement, Gad ignored the “This is a true story” slate that appeared at the beginning of Baby Reindeer. The news comes after the film was nominated for multiple awards at the 76th Primetime Emmys ceremony.
After winning casting and picture editing awards at the Creative Arts Emmys, the series is now nominated for best limited or anthology series and lead actor in a limited series, with co-star Jessica Gunning nominated for best supporting actress.
Also read: Netflix admits real-life baby reindeer stalker Fiona Harvey was found not guilty of stalking at trial; details inside
