Netflix Hit with $170 Million Lawsuit Over Stalker Portrayal

A Scottish woman took legal action against Netflix and "Baby Reindeer" producer Richard Gadd for $170 million for defamation, arguing the show depicts her as a stalker.

Fiona Harvey says hundreds of Reddit and TikTok users identified her within days as Jessica Gunning's character Martha Scott. She claims that her reputation and life were destroyed by the portrayal.

Harvey claims that the series' stalker exploited her "identity and likeness." Netflix and Gadd perpetrated "brutal lies" out of "greed and lust for fame," destroying her reputation and life, she claims, per The Verge.

In "Baby Reindeer," a "true story" based on his real experiences, Gadd portrays a fictional version of himself under Martha's pursuit. Harvey's complaint asserts that Netflix failed to verify the events of the series and that Martha's identity was "completely undisguised."

Netflix Accused of Telling Lies for Profit

Harvey wants approximately $170 million from Netflix for mental agony, diminished enjoyment of life, and business losses. The complaint accuses Netflix of not validating Gadd's story, according to Variety.

In the filing, Harvey's lawyers accuse Netflix of telling lies about Harvey to more than 50 million people across the globe, including depicting her as "a twice-convicted stalker who received a five-year prison sentence" and that she '"sexually attacked Gadd."

The lawyers noted that Netflix "told these lies and never stopped" because the story "made money."

In response to the accusation, Netflix stated they will "vigorously defend" their case and "stand by Richard Gadd's right to tell his story."

"Baby Reindeer," based on Gadd's Edinburgh Festival play, debuted on Netflix on April 11 and became popular. The episode shows Martha stalking Donny Dunn, played by Gadd.

Internet users soon identified the persona as Harvey through social media contacts with Gadd, despite alterations to identifying features. On Piers Morgan's YouTube show, Harvey denied the show's assertions, calling it "a work of hyperbole."

Netflix also faced defamation cases over their portrayals in "The Queen's Gambit," "When They See Us," "Inventing Anna," and "No Limit."

Netflix settled its defamation case with Linda Fairstein last week by donating $1 million to the Innocence Project and adding a disclaimer to "When They See Us."

Netflix TV App Layout Updated

In another update, Netflix is apparently exploring a new TV app layout to help customers pick shows, as previously reported by TechTimes.

Netflix senior director of product Pat Flemming told reports that the app's design is changing to help consumers decide "if a title is right for them." Static tiles give way to expandable TV and movie titles, centralizing trailers and descriptions.

When scrolling, the top of the screen displays the show or movie information. The revised interface places that information in the center and shifts other show tiles to the side. Long-term hovering over a TV show or movie triggers a brief preview.

Netflix plans to replace the left-side navigation menu with a top-bar menu containing search, home, shows, movies, and My Netflix, accessible by pressing the back button on the remote.

My Netflix recommendations will take the place of the Categories and New and Popular tabs, and you can access the Categories using the search box.

Currently being tested with a small number of consumers, the new look will be offered to additional Netflix subscribers in the coming months if successful.