Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ in hot water after court ruling

CALIFORNIA: Award winning Netflix series “Baby Reindeer” found itself in hot water on Friday, after a judge ruled that its billing as a “true story” was not accurate, leaving the door open for legal trouble.

The series details the sexual assault and harassment that show creator, Richard Gadd, endured at the hands of Fiona Harvey. Harvey, who was quickly identified by viewers to be the inspiration for the character of Martha, had previously accused Gadd and Netflix of defamation, filing a $170 million lawsuit back in June.

The lawsuit stated that the “multi-national billion-dollar entertainment streaming company did literally nothing to confirm the ‘true story’ that Gadd told,” naming Netflix as a defendant.

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Harvey was accused of a myriad of acts, such as stalking Gadd for years, which the show alleges she was sent to prison for, as well as sending him thousands of messages and waiting outside his home for up to 16 hours a day. Gadd also accused her of gouging his eyes and sexual assault.

Harvey made claims of negligence, violation of her publicity rights, punitive damages, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Only the last claim stood scrutiny, with all others being dismissed. The intentional infliction of emotional distress can apply to “extreme and outrageous” false statements, which Judge Gary Klausner found evidence for.   

“There is a major difference between stalking and being convicted of stalking in a court of law,” stated Klausner, adding that “while the plaintiffs purported actions are reprehensible, Defendants’ statements are of a worse degree and could produce a different effect in the mind of a viewer.”

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In July, Netflix filed a motion to have the lawsuit thrown out. Gadd stated that it was the streaming company who wanted to bill the show as “a true story” according to The Sunday Times. In July, he said that while the show may not be a complete recounting of events, the show was “emotionally true”.

Earlier this month, “Baby Reindeer” won big at the Emmys taking home four awards. Richard Gadd won three himself for writing, producing, and starring in the show. Co-star Jessica Gunning also won for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series.