A Netflix executive has defended Baby Reindeer and claimed the hit series is “a drama, not a documentary” after the streaming service faced legal action from a woman who claimed to be the real-life stalker Martha.
Baby Reindeer was created by Scottish comedian Richard Judd, who starred in the series alongside Jessica Gunning, who played his stalker Martha Scott.
The series was a huge success and became one of the most watched shows on Netflix.
But the dark comedy has been criticized by those who claim the series is being staged.
Fiona Harvey came forward claiming to be the inspiration behind Martha, claiming the story was inaccurate and suing Netflix.
At the beginning of the first episode, a text appears on the screen saying: This is a true story.
Asked about the Baby Reindeer controversy at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Anne Mensah, Netflix’s UK vice president of content, said it was “surprising that it’s actually affected people”, noting the rise in men calling a hotline for help.
Fiona Harvey (pictured) has come forward claiming to be the inspiration behind Stalker Martha, claiming the story is inaccurate and filing a lawsuit against Netflix.
When asked about the controversy surrounding Baby Reindeer, Netflix UK’s vice president of content, Anne Mensah (pictured), said: “It’s a drama, not a documentary.”
Baby Reindeer was created by Scottish comedian Richard Judd, who starred in the series. The series was a huge success and has since become one of the most-watched shows on Netflix.
“That’s why it was important, and I would be absolutely shocked if I felt disconnected from it, but I fully support all the programs,” he added.
“It’s a drama, not a documentary.”
When asked about security on the show, he said Netflix takes it “very seriously.”
In the play, which is said to be inspired by Gad’s real-life experiences, his character Donny Dunne is harassed by Martha when she offers him a free cup of tea at the pub where she works.
In the TV series, Martha received a nine-month prison sentence and a five-year restraining order, which Mrs. Harvey opposes.
MailOnline reported in July that Ms Harvey was seeking £135m from the streaming giant, claiming it was spreading “monstrous lies” because “the story is better than the truth”.
“The problem with Richard Judd and now Netflix is that Baby Reindeer is not a true story at all,” Ms. Harvey said.
“I’m not guilty.”
Jessica Gunning played Martha Scott, Richard Judd’s stalker on the series who claims to be the inspiration behind Mrs. Harvey.
When asked about security on the series, Mensah said Netflix takes it “very seriously.”
Harvey has since sued Netflix for £135 million. He said: “The problem for Richard Judd and now Netflix is that Baby Reindeer is not a true story at all. I am not guilty.”
Harvey’s US legal representative, Richard Roth, said he had a “very, very strong case” and expected Harvey, Judd and Netflix executives to testify in court in California.
In a candid interview with Piers Morgan in June, Roth said the fallout from the Baby Reindeer case “could be a defining moment for broadcast television”.
Speaking about why he took on the case, Mr Roth said: “(It) is really outrageous when someone says something is a ‘true story’ (…). If Netflix is going to say it’s a true story, it better be true. It’s irresponsible of them to do that.”
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Mensah said the campaign was “the antithesis of what I believe in”, when asked if the show’s titles were good for Netflix.
“I really think the UK is a great place for content creators, writers and directors… and it’s 100 per cent about finding a way to fill that space,” he added.
“It’s not about trying to manipulate someone (with) an algorithm. The truth is simpler: the audience is incredibly smart, incredibly diverse, good and never boring.
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