Richard Gadd, creator and star of the Netflix series "Baby Reindeer," has emphasized his desire for audiences to enjoy the show as a piece of art and discouraged attempts to identify the real-life inspirations behind the show's characters. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gadd reiterated that he will no longer discuss the true events that influenced the narrative of "Baby Reindeer," which portrays the struggles of a comic named Donny Dunn, played by Gadd himself, who is harassed by a character named Martha Scott, portrayed by Jessica Gunning.
The show, which debuted on Netflix in April 2024, initially sparked intense speculation and online detective work aimed at uncovering the real identities of the characters involved. Following this, Gadd addressed the public, stating his refusal to either confirm or deny any speculations about the real people who inspired the show’s characters.
Further controversy arose following an interview conducted by Piers Morgan with Fiona Harvey, a Scottish lawyer who was speculated to be the basis for the character of Martha. This interview, heavily criticized as "unethical," led Harvey to deny any allegations of stalking and to threaten legal action against Gadd and Netflix.
Gadd has expressed that the unintended fame and public attention following the show's success has been overwhelming, commenting on his new high profile which has become a challenge for his personal life. "Baby Reindeer" is available for streaming on Netflix.