Netflix's Baby Reindeer face backlash over true story claims

Netflix's miniseries "Baby Reindeer," billed as a "true story," has sparked legal battles and accusations of reckless storytelling. The show, about comedian Donny Dunn's experience with a stalker, has drawn lawsuits from individuals claiming they were unfairly portrayed and harmed by the series.

Fiona Harvey, identified by fans as the inspiration for the stalker character Martha, is suing Netflix for $170 million, alleging the show falsely depicts her as a sexual predator and convicted stalker. Netflix maintains its support for creator Richard Gadd and his right to tell his story.

Further controversy surrounds allegations from trans actress Reece Lyons that an unnamed male writer, identified online as Gadd, pursued her romantically while offering a role in the show. Neither Netflix nor Gadd has addressed the allegations.

These incidents raise questions about Netflix's oversight and responsibility in portraying real-life events. "Baby Reindeer" is not the first Netflix production to face legal action from individuals claiming defamation. Previous cases involving "Inventing Anna" and "Orgasm Inc." have also raised concerns about the streamer's handling of real-life stories.

The controversy extends beyond the main characters, as fans have attempted to identify other individuals depicted in the show, leading to online harassment of those mistakenly identified.

The lack of response from Netflix and Gadd to the allegations, coupled with reports of Gadd's involvement in casting decisions, has fueled criticism of the production's handling of sensitive issues.