Current:Home > InvestBaby Reindeer's Alleged Real-Life Stalker Speaks Out on Netflix Show -Edge Finance Strategies
Baby Reindeer's Alleged Real-Life Stalker Speaks Out on Netflix Show
View
Date:2025-04-12 21:52:28
Baby Reindeer's real-life "Martha" is breaking her silence.
Two weeks after the release of the Netflix series, which is based on comedian Richard Gadd's experience with a stalker, the woman who allegedly served as his inspiration spoke out to say that she's been receiving "death threats and abuse" from people who have figured out her identity.
"He's using Baby Reindeer to stalk me now," she told the Daily Mail, accusing Gadd of "bullying an older woman on television for fame and fortune."
The woman—who the outlet chose not to identify by name—also said she's considering legal action against the actor, claiming he has "main character syndrome."
"I'm the victim," she said. "He's written a bloody show about me."
The woman added, "He always thinks he's at the center of things. I'm not writing shows about him or promoting them in the media, am I? If he wanted me to be properly anonymous, he could have done so. Gadd should leave me alone."
E! News has reached out to Gadd for comment but hasn't heard back. However, the 34-year-old previously said that many details in the series were changed to protect people's identities. On the show, Gadd portrayed a fictionalized version of himself named Donny Dunn, while his alleged stalker was called Martha, who was played by actress Jessica Gunning.
"It's all borrowed from instances that happened to me and real people that I met," he told Variety in an interview published April 19. "But of course, you can't do the exact truth, for both legal and artistic reasons. I mean, there's certain protections, you can't just copy somebody else's life and name and put it onto television. And obviously, we were very aware that some characters in it are vulnerable people, so you don't want to make their lives more difficult."
Amid Baby Reindeer's success, Gadd also discouraged fans from publicly identifying his past abusers, including the TV writer who sexually abused him early in his comedy career. (In the series, the character was played by Tom Goodman-Hill.)
"Please don't speculate on who any of the real life people could be," he wrote on Instagram Stories, per People. "That's not the point of our show."
So, why did he create Baby Reindeer? "All I ever wanted to do was capture something complicated about the human condition," Gadd wrote in the show's Netflix description. "That we all make mistakes. That no person is ever good or bad. That we are all lost souls looking for love in our own weird way."
He added, "Hoping that in amongst all the messy, complicated, f--ked up themes, Baby Reindeer throws at you that people might take notice of its beating heart."
For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org.veryGood! (63)
Related
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- 'Pirsig's Pilgrims' pay homage to famous 'Zen' author by re-creating his motorcycle ride
- 2024 Boston Marathon: How to watch, stream, route and start times
- Bitcoin ETF trading volume tripled in March. Will that trend continue in April?
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- The Latest | World leaders urge Israel not to retaliate for the Iranian drone and missile attack
- How much did 2024 Masters winner earn? Payouts by position, purse at Augusta National
- Semiautomatic firearm ban passes Colorado’s House, heads to Senate
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Pregnant Jenna Dewan Seeking Millions From Ex Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Income
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- 2 bodies found, 4 people arrested in connection to missing Kansas women in Oklahoma
- Caitlin Clark set to join exclusive club as WNBA No. 1 overall draft pick. The full list.
- How to tackle crime in Indian Country? Empower tribal justice, ex-Justice Department official says
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- 2 law enforcement officers shot, killed in line of duty in Syracuse, New York: Police
- Roberto Cavalli, Italian fashion designer known for his sexy style, dies at 83
- The 'Pat McAfee Show' for baseball? Former World Series hero giving players a platform
Recommendation
New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
Emma Bates, a top US contender in the Boston Marathon, will try to beat Kenyans and dodge potholes
Nearly 1 in 4 Americans plan to decrease 401(k) contributions. Why it could be a bad idea
Midwest braces for severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes, 'destructive winds' on Monday
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Man falls to death at oceanfront hotel trying to escape sixth-floor shooting, police say
Jill Duggar Dillard, Derick Dillard reveal stillbirth of daughter Isla Marie in emotional post
Scottie Scheffler unstoppable and wins another Masters green jacket