Piers Morgan has defended his recent interview with Fiona Harvey, the woman who claims to be the inspiration behind the character Martha in the Netflix series "Baby Reindeer." The interview, which took place on Morgan's TalkTV show "Uncensored," garnered significant viewership but also faced widespread criticism for being seen as potentially exploitative of a vulnerable individual.
The controversy centers around the series "Baby Reindeer," created by Richard Gadd, which depicts the troubling real-life experiences of Gadd being stalked. Fiona Harvey, aged 58, approached Morgan to "set the record straight”, challenging the portrayal of her actions in the series. She denied having any criminal convictions, specifically refuting claims that she stalked Gadd.
During the interview, broadcast last week, Harvey argued that the depiction of Martha in "Baby Reindeer" was misleading and labeled the show as "misogynistic." As a response to the backlash and the impact of the interview, which has amassed over 10 million views, Harvey has demanded one million pounds from Morgan, which she justifies by the revenue she believes the show will generate from her appearance. However, Morgan has refused this claim and defended the payment of £250 initially given, stating that it is consistent with what other guests receive.
Speaking on ITV's "Lorraine," Morgan reiterated his stance, suggesting that Harvey had a right to share her perspective, especially since her identity had become public. He also questioned the ethical responsibility of Netflix and suggested that if Harvey is indeed not a convicted stalker, claims made by the show could be considered defamatory.
The background and subsequent reactions to this interview reflect the complex discussions around media ethics, the treatment of individuals portrayed in popular media, and the responsibilities of platforms and creators towards real-life subjects of their content.