Netflix's 'Baby Reindeer' star Richard Gadd cleared of 'unprofessional' claims
Richard Gadd, star of Netflix's biographical series Baby Reindeer, has been questioned and subsequently cleared by the show's producers over a controversy related to the show. The series—penned and headlined by Gadd—narrates the tale of a struggling comic named Donny Dunn, relentlessly stalked by Martha Scott (played by Jessica Gunning) for over four years. Since its release on April 11, this seven-episode sensation, based on Gadd's life, has topped the streaming platform. Here's why the producers questioned Gadd.
Controversy sparked after Reece Lyons's viral social media post
The controversy ignited when viewers started investigating the real-life inspirations behind the show's characters. This led to actor Reece Lyons, who was vying for a role, sharing her experience with Gadd on X/Twitter. Lyons claimed on X/Twitter in April that she felt "hurt" after a romance with Gadd, alleging that he "conflated a work opportunity with a dating dynamic." Lyons stated that after expressing interest in auditioning for Gadd's Netflix show, their relationship cooled off.
'It's not going to work...'
Lyons recounted her interaction with Gadd. She posted, "The role in question was that of his ex-girlfriend, a trans woman. I told him I was interested in auditioning and asked him to get in touch with my agent." Lyons felt conflicted when Gadd texted her two weeks later to resume their romance, as she feared it might affect her chances of being cast in the show. Later, she claimed Gadd told her: "It's (their relationship) not going to work."
Read the full thread here
Production company cleared Gadd; role ultimately went to Nava Mau
Following Lyons's viral social media post in April, Clerkenwell Films, the production company behind Baby Reindeer, recently investigated Gadd's professional conduct. The company found that Gadd did not act unprofessionally and that casting decisions for the show were not influenced. The role Lyons was vying for ultimately went to Generation actor Nava Mau, with Gadd earlier informing Lyons that producers sought a more "established" star for the part of Teri.
Meanwhile, real-life Martha plans to sue Netflix and Gadd
Adding another layer to the controversy, Fiona Harvey, reportedly the real-life inspiration for Scott, has labeled the show as "defamatory" and plans to sue Netflix and Gadd. Harvey—who happens to be a lawyer—refuted the claims made by the series, denouncing them as defamatory and misogynistic. She expressed her dismay caused by the show, describing it as "obscene" and "horrifying."
Harvey refuted stalking claims and communication portrayal
Further, Harvey disputed several incidents depicted in the show, including claims of her stalking behavior. She clarified that she never visited Gadd's home, heckled his comedy show, or attacked his girlfriend. When asked if she sent 41,000 emails and 350 voicemails to Dunn's character in the series, Harvey responded with a firm no, asserting she only sent him a few emails and no texts or Facebook messages.
