Baby Reindeer created a ton of buzz among Netflix subscribers. The seven-episode miniseries was inspired by Richard Gadd’s autobiographical one-person show of the same title, which follows his experience being stalked, harassed and sexually assaulted. Weeks after its premiere, a woman — whose identity was not disclosed — came forward, claiming that she was the person who inspired the character Martha Scott: the stalker of Gadd’s character, Donny Dunn.
Keep reading to learn more about the series’ true story and more.
Gadd created and starred in his one-man show and miniseries Baby Reindeer, playing Donny Dunn. The writer and actor spoke with The Independent about the real-life inspiration behind his theatrical show. During his interview, Gadd recalled a woman — whom he called Martha — meeting him at the pub where he worked. After giving her a free cup of tea, she obsessively contacted him over time: 41,071 emails, 350 voicemail hours, 744 tweets, 46 Facebook DMs and 106 pages of letters to be exact.
Martha’s emails from Baby Reindeer. Every one of them real. pic.twitter.com/7jKVplc5vX
— Netflix (@netflix) April 13, 2024
“I certainly egged the situation on before I realized that it was as dangerous as it was,” Gadd told the publication in October 2019. “I behaved like a prick at times.”
While admitting he initially flirted with the older woman, Gadd pointed out that his actions, which were shown through his character, could “turn” his audience “against” him,” adding, “And they’re right to.”
“I can’t emphasize enough how much of a victim she is in all this,” he explained at the time. “When we think of stalkers, we always think of films like Misery and Fatal Attraction, where the stalker is a monstrous figure in the night down an alleyway. But usually, it’s a prior relationship or someone you know or a work colleague. Stalking and harassment is a form of mental illness. It would have been wrong to paint her as a monster, because she’s unwell, and the system’s failed her.”
After attempting to contact police, Gadd was told he needed actual evidence against Martha. “It’s not their fault – it’s the lack of funding, the lack of training, the lack of understanding, the lack of support for the victims,” Gadd said about law enforcement. “Even the police have come out and admitted that their attitudes to harassment are wrong and flawed. But admitting it is one thing. It needs fundamental change.”
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Baby Reindeer created a ton of buzz among Netflix subscribers. The seven-episode miniseries was inspired by Richard Gadd’s autobiographical one-person show of the same title, which follows his experience being stalked, harassed and sexually assaulted. Weeks after its premiere, a woman — whose identity was not disclosed — came forward, claiming that she was the person who inspired the character Martha Scott: the stalker of Gadd’s character, Donny Dunn.
Keep reading to learn more about the series’ true story and more.
Gadd created and starred in his one-man show and miniseries Baby Reindeer, playing Donny Dunn. The writer and actor spoke with The Independent about the real-life inspiration behind his theatrical show. During his interview, Gadd recalled a woman — whom he called Martha — meeting him at the pub where he worked. After giving her a free cup of tea, she obsessively contacted him over time: 41,071 emails, 350 voicemail hours, 744 tweets, 46 Facebook DMs and 106 pages of letters to be exact.
Martha’s emails from Baby Reindeer. Every one of them real. pic.twitter.com/7jKVplc5vX
— Netflix (@netflix) April 13, 2024
“I certainly egged the situation on before I realized that it was as dangerous as it was,” Gadd told the publication in October 2019. “I behaved like a prick at times.”
While admitting he initially flirted with the older woman, Gadd pointed out that his actions, which were shown through his character, could “turn” his audience “against” him,” adding, “And they’re right to.”
“I can’t emphasize enough how much of a victim she is in all this,” he explained at the time. “When we think of stalkers, we always think of films like Misery and Fatal Attraction, where the stalker is a monstrous figure in the night down an alleyway. But usually, it’s a prior relationship or someone you know or a work colleague. Stalking and harassment is a form of mental illness. It would have been wrong to paint her as a monster, because she’s unwell, and the system’s failed her.”
After attempting to contact police, Gadd was told he needed actual evidence against Martha. “It’s not their fault – it’s the lack of funding, the lack of training, the lack of understanding, the lack of support for the victims,” Gadd said about law enforcement. “Even the police have come out and admitted that their attitudes to harassment are wrong and flawed. But admitting it is one thing. It needs fundamental change.”
