Netflix bosses ‘disappointed’ if Baby Reindeer true story claim detracts from show

A Netflix boss says that the company would be “disappointed” if the true story claim at the beginning of Baby Reindeer detracts from the importance of the series which touches on issues of sexual assault and stalking.

Created by Scottish comedian Richard Gadd and starring Jessica Gunning as his stalker, Martha Scott, the dark comedy thriller has been under fire from those who claim to have been depicted by the series.

Fiona Harvey came forward claiming to be the inspiration behind Martha, alleging the story is inaccurate, and filed a lawsuit against Netflix. At the beginning of the first episode, text appears on the screen which says: “This is a true story.”

When asked about the controversy surrounding Baby Reindeer, vice president of UK content at Netflix, Anne Mensah, told the Edinburgh TV Festival what is “amazing is that it really touched” people, citing an increase in men ringing hotlines to seek help.

She adds: “It was important for those reasons, and if you feel it detracted from that I would be absolutely disappointed, but I absolutely stand by all the show. It’s a drama, not a documentary.”

Ms Mensah also said publicity is “the antithesis of what I believe in”, when asked if the headlines about the show were good for Netflix.

She also said: “I really believe the UK is this amazing place for content creators and the writers and the directors… and it’s 100 per cent about finding ways to take this space.

“It’s not about trying to manipulate anybody (with) an algorithm. The truth is way simpler, which is the audience is incredibly clever and incredibly diverse, and they spot good and not boring.”

When asked about safeguarding on the show, she said Netflix takes it “absolutely seriously”. In the drama, said to be inspired by the real-life experiences of Gadd, his character Donny Dunn is hounded by Martha after he serves her a free cup of tea in the pub where he works.

In the TV series, Martha receives a nine-month prison sentence and a five-year restraining order, which Ms Harvey has disputed. She said: “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”.

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