Gadd Defends Netflix Against $170M Defamation Lawsuit

Richard Gadd, creator of the Netflix series Baby Reindeer, has detailed years of alleged stalking and harassment by Fiona Harvey from 2014 to 2017, including thousands of explicit and threatening messages and instances of physical stalking. Despite Harvey's denial of these claims, Gadd asserts the series is a fictionalized but emotionally true account of his experiences. Netflix is seeking to dismiss the $170 million lawsuit, arguing for its freedom of speech and maintaining the series does not name Harvey directly. Harvey's lawsuit accuses Netflix of defamation, emotional distress, and violations of her right to publicity. The series, originally a play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, has sparked controversy over its portrayal of real-life events and individuals.