The woman who claims to be the inspiration behind the character Martha in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer has said the “firestorm” around the programme has caused “untold damage” to her health, reputation, and job prospects. Fiona Harvey, who has identified herself as the woman who inspired Martha in the series, said in a statement given to the PA news agency her “ability to make sensible decisions about my welfare and best interests” had also been impacted. Advertisement In the drama, said to be inspired by the real-life experiences of comedian and writer, Richard Gadd, his character Donny Dunn is stalked by a woman named Martha Scott after he serves her a free cup of tea in the pub where he works.
At the beginning of the first episode, text appears on the screen which says: “This is a true story.” Advertisement Advertisement Ms Harvey has said Martha was “clearly intended to be based on me” and later added in her statement: “I have no doubt that the character of Martha in Baby Reindeer was intended to be a portrayal of me.” She continued: “The problem for Richard Gadd and now for Netflix is that Baby Reindeer is not a true story at all.
” “I am not a convicted stalker”. Advertisement In the TV series, Martha receives a nine-month prison sentence and a five-year restraining order. Ms Harvey said: “I have never been charged with any crime, let alone been convicted, still less pleaded guilty and, of course, I have never been to prison for anything.
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