Netflix Faces Massive Lawsuit Over Controversial Show “Baby Reindeer”

Popcorn, tablet displaying Netflix, and earphones on table.

The defamation lawsuit involving Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” is heading to trial in 2025 with $170 million on the line.

At a Glance

A $170 million defamation lawsuit against Netflix over the series “Baby Reindeer” is set for trial on May 6, 2025.
The lawsuit was filed by Fiona Harvey, who claims the character Martha Scott in the series is based on her.
Netflix plans to defend the case vigorously, supporting Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.
The case has been sent to mandatory mediation by Judge R. Gary Klausner.

Trial Date and Financial Stakes

Baby Reindeer, Netflix’s celebrated series, will face a significant legal hurdle when it goes to trial on May 6, 2025. The defamation lawsuit, filed by Fiona Harvey, claims the series inaccurately depicts her as a convicted criminal, a portrayal she asserts has caused substantial reputational harm. The case seeks $170 million in damages from Netflix. With high financial stakes and the scrutiny of Netflix’s content production, the outcome may influence future media and content creation.

Harvey identifies herself as the inspiration for the character Martha Scott, depicted in the series as a twice-convicted stalker. However, Netflix, along with the creator and actor Richard Gadd, categorically deny these claims. Netflix will “defend this matter vigorously and stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.”

'Baby Reindeer' $170M Defamation Case Against Netflix Gets 2025 Trial Date https://t.co/0JHTzQDzA7

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 11, 2024

Content Disputes and Legal Arguments

Harvey points to the “true story” disclaimer at the beginning of the series, arguing it misled viewers into believing she had stalked and harassed Gadd. Harvey, who was never convicted of stalking, says the depiction is a severe misrepresentation. Gadd asserts the series is a fictional account, even though it draws from his real-life experiences with a stalker figure.

“Martha Scott is not Fiona Harvey,” Gadd stated, emphasizing the character’s fictional nature.

Netflix maintains the series contains sufficient context and disclaimers to dispel any defamation claims. The legal team argues the contextual cinematic elements and disclaimers are enough to classify Harvey’s lawsuit as “insufficiently pled.”

‘Baby Reindeer’ $170M Defamation Case Against Netflix Gets 2025 Trial Date https://t.co/S663xFWXnN

— Dominic Patten (@DeadlineDominic) September 11, 2024

Alternative Dispute Resolution and Potential Outcomes

Judge R. Gary Klausner assigned the case to mandatory Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) which must be completed by March 7, 2025. He stated, “Pursuant to Local Rule 1615, the parties in every case must select an ADR settlement procedure.” This process aims to resolve disputes without a full trial. The trial date announcement coincides with the series gathering nominations for the 76th Primetime Emmys, underscoring the contentious, high-profile nature of the case.

The mediation will run concurrently with pretrial activities. Although some may view mediation as a hopeful resolution, others see a trial as inevitable, given the significant damages sought and the complexities of claims.

“I never intended the series to identify any real person as Martha Scott, including Harvey,” Gadd told sources, reiterating the fictional basis of the character.

With $170 million at stake and reputations on the line, the case against Netflix could set a precedent for how creators navigate the thin line between fictional storytelling and defaming real individuals. The entertainment world will be closely watching as it unfolds.