In the latest Baby Reindeer twist, the real-life 'Martha' is suing Netflix. Fiona Harvey, who has identified herself as the person on whom Jessica Gunning’s character in Richard Gadd’s drama is based, has filed a lawsuit in a California court against the streaming platform. The Scottish law graduate is seeking $170 million in damages for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and violations of her right to publicity.
‘The lies that Defendants told about Harvey to over 50 million people worldwide include that Harvey is a twice-convicted stalker who was sentenced to five years in prison and that Harvey sexually assaulted Gadd,’ her complaint said. ‘Defendants told these lies and never stopped, because it was a better story than the truth, and better stories made money.’ The lawsuit added, ‘As a result of Defendants’ lies, malfeasance and utterly reckless misconduct, Harvey’s life had been ruined.