Netflix Faces Defamation Lawsuit Over Hit Series Baby Reindeer
Netflix’s popular series Baby Reindeer has landed the streaming giant in hot water as a judge has ruled against their attempt to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by Fiona Harvey, the woman who inspired the stalker character in the show.
Harvey claims that Netflix spread “brutal lies” about her to over 50 million viewers worldwide. The judge concluded that certain key events portrayed in the show, such as a conviction for stalking, did not actually happen in real life.
Despite Netflix’s defense that the show was based on a true story and that the events were “substantially true” because they were inspired by real-life actions, the judge disagreed. He pointed out major differences between the real events and what was shown on screen.
The ruling highlighted discrepancies such as Harvey not stalking a police officer, sexually assaulting the show’s creator Richard Gadd, or violently attacking him in a pub. The judge also noted that Gadd’s original stage play was billed as “based on a true story”, indicating that certain details were likely false.
While Netflix argued that most viewers would understand the show as a drama and not factual, the judge emphasized that the series explicitly stated “this is a true story”, inviting the audience to accept the events as fact.
Despite some parts of Harvey’s case being dismissed, the judge sided with her on the defamation claims. Baby Reindeer has been a major success, winning six Emmy Awards, but this legal battle could tarnish its reputation.
As the lawsuit continues, it raises questions about the responsibility of creators and streaming platforms in portraying real-life events and individuals in a fictionalized manner. Netflix has vowed to vigorously defend the matter, but the outcome remains uncertain as the case unfolds.
