Richard Gadd recalls the lasting accomplishments of 'Baby Reindeer' as defamation trial enters day two: "It's Changed So Many Lives"

Creator Richard Gadd, who had the defamation lawsuit filed against him ongoing during filming of the series Baby Reindeer, was, he says, determined to stay upbeat. With his third Emmy win for the series in hand, Richard Gadd talked about how the semi-autobiographical drama about his experience of being stalked and abused as a young man has impacted so many lives around the world.

Speaking in the press after the 2024 Primetime Emmys, during which Best Series, Writing, Best Actor (Gadd), and Best Actress (Jessica Gunning) awarded to Baby Reindeer, Gadd emphasized the extent of the reach of the series. Indeed, about 80 million people around the world already watched it; from Netflix alone, 20 million viewers. Gadd has pointed out the real impact of the series-the increase in mainstream charity giving-contributed significantly with the major incorporation coming in the UK. The increased increases in donations to charities concerning sexual abuse were found to be 53%.

Gadd has chosen to highlight such successes in spite of the furor generated by widespread media criticism of inaccuracy that surrounded the show. Dubbed as a "true story, the show was always up for questioning. Factual stalker of Gadd in real life and an inspiration for Martha Scott from the TV series sued the streaming media giant, trying to clobber $170 million in damages by accusing Netflix of defamation. According to her, the show portrayed her as having been convicted and imprisoned for stalking Gadd, which is not quite accurate because she was not convicted. The lawsuit was filed in June 2024, and the trial is scheduled to come up in May 2025.

In response, Netflix Chief Ted Sarandos came forward to defend the show, stating that while parts of Baby Reindeer were fabricated for dramatic reasons, it remains Richard Gadd's true story. He acknowledged that there was much debate over whether or not the series is factual, but he maintains that both he and Netflix stood proudly behind how Gadd had handled his personal experience.

Despite the court case and whatever concerns will have been voiced about the line between documentary and fiction on television, Gadd is positive about the impact Baby Reindeer has had in raising the profile of stalking and abuse. He emphasized that it is too easy to get bogged down with the negativity, adding that what matters for the show lies in its inspiring quality with all the awareness created.