Netflix Faces $170 Million Defamation Lawsuit Over Baby Reindeer Series

Netflix Inc. is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Fiona Harvey, who claims she is the real-life inspiration behind a character in the hit series Baby Reindeer. Harvey alleges that the show’s creators exposed her identity and misrepresented her, causing severe emotional distress and reputational damage.

The series, based on stand-up comedian Richard Gadd’s experiences with a stalker, features a character named Martha, portrayed as a convicted stalker and sexual assailant. Harvey claims this portrayal has led social media users to identify her as the stalker, further ruining her life. She argues that Netflix failed to verify the facts before depicting her in the series.

Harvey’s lawsuit, filed in California, seeks at least $170 million in damages. This includes over $50 million in profits that the show reportedly made for Netflix and more than $120 million for emotional distress and damages. Harvey’s legal team asserts that Netflix used her likeness for profit, causing "severe and extreme emotional distress."

Netflix has responded by affirming its support for Gadd’s right to tell his story and plans to defend the case vigorously. Baby Reindeer has garnered significant viewership, attracting 22 million viewers in its third week.