A Netflix Series Is Under Fire By A Woman Who Thinks It’s About Her

If you’ve seen the depiction of stalker Martha Scott in the Netflix series “Baby Reindeer,” it’s probably not a character you’d admit was based on you. But for one woman, that’s exactly what she’s alleging — and the situation might result in a defamation suit.

What it’s all about

“Baby Reindeer” is reportedly a fictionalized account of creator Richard Gadd’s real-life experiences. The Scottish comedian, who writes and stars in the show, previously presented a one-man show about the older female he said stalked him following a conversation in a pub.

Although there aren’t any other details regarding the identity of the person on whom Scott’s character is based, fans of the series and self-styled internet detectives have tried to figure it out. And one woman says she has been inundated by accusations that it’s her.

It’s worth noting that the series doesn’t exactly portray Scott as a villain. Instead, it attributes her disturbing behavior to an underlying mental health problem.

Nevertheless, the woman who says her life has been upended as a result of the show is considering taking legal action against Gadd and Netflix.

The creator’s plea

Gadd has made it clear that he doesn’t want the series to turn into a whodunnit by social media sleuths determined to identify his inspiration for the character.

“We’ve gone to such great lengths to disguise her to the point that I don’t think she would recognize herself,” he said. “What’s been borrowed in an emotional truth, not a fact-by-fact profile of someone.”

But for the anonymous complainant, the damage has already been done. She claimed to have received “death threats and abuse,” depicting herself as a the victim.

“He’s using ‘Baby Reindeer’ to stalk me now,” she said, accusing him of “bullying an older woman on television for fame and fortune.”

Chris Agee April 29th, 2024

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