A judge has ruled that Fiona Harvey's lawsuit against Netflix will be heard before a jury on May 18, 2027. Harvey, the real-life inspiration for the character Martha in the hit series Baby Reindeer, filed her claim for damages in June 2024, arguing she was unfairly portrayed as a convicted stalker.
The case had been delayed while Netflix unsuccessfully appealed to have it dismissed. Judge Robert Gary Klausner has now set the trial date, rejecting a joint request from both sides for a later hearing in July 2027.
Harvey's Legal Team Responds
Harvey's US lawyer, Richard Roth, said his client was "elated" by the news. He confirmed the trial date had been set, noting that the judge had rejected the request for more time and insisted the case would proceed in May.
Roth said: "We've just learned that the trial of Fiona Harvey versus Netflix is going to be on May 18, 2027. We just got the notice, like within the last hour. Both sides submitted a document which provided for more time, but the judge said, 'No, you're trying this in May.' I'm excited about this case. I think this case has been sitting for too long."
Claims and Background
Harvey claims the show wrecked her life and falsely branded her a convicted stalker. Her lawyer insists she has a strong case for damages because she has never been convicted of stalking. He added: "Fiona's gone through terrible mental anguish since April of 2024, and because of the court system, it took two and a half years to get a trial date and three years to be heard in court. But we're very excited to finally have the chance to get justice and to get this in front of a jury."
The series Baby Reindeer was written by Scots comedian Richard Gadd, who also starred as the lead character Donny Dunn. Gadd, 37, adapted the show from his 2019 Edinburgh Fringe play. In the series, he plays a barman and struggling comic whose life is turned upside down by Martha, a customer he takes pity on in a London pub. The show became a worldwide sensation after it first screened in April 2024.
Impact and Netflix's Defense
Baby Reindeer has been watched by 100 million people globally and won six Emmys, including awards for Gadd and for Jessica Gunning, who played Martha. Within days of the show's release, viewers used clues to track Harvey down online. She went public in the Daily Record in April 2024 to say the character was based on her, and two months later launched her suit against Netflix.
Harvey's legal team branded the show's 'true story' claim "the biggest lie in television history". They pointed to claims in the series that Martha had been convicted and jailed for stalking, as well as scenes showing Martha sexually assaulting Donny, attacking him with a glass, and waiting outside his home for up to 16 hours a day.
Harvey is seeking more than $170 million, about £128 million, including punitive damages. Netflix has said in court papers that what was shown on screen was substantially true. The firm argues Harvey has not pointed to a single provably false statement about her, and that her reputation had already been damaged by earlier reports. When the lawsuit was first filed, Netflix said it would "defend this matter vigorously" and stand by Gadd's right to tell his story.
Gadd is not being sued. In a statement to the court in 2024, he said: "Martha Scott is not Fiona Harvey." He has said he is willing to share what he knows about the events behind the show and has described the series as emotionally true.
Legal Rulings and Next Steps
The judge said in 2024 that the show appeared to present itself as fact, and noted there was a big difference between being accused of stalking and being convicted of it. He dismissed Harvey's negligence claims but allowed her claims for defamation and emotional distress to proceed. The trial will be closely watched across the TV industry, where true-story dramas have become big business. A win for Harvey could force streamers and broadcasters to reconsider how they disguise the real people behind their characters.
Roth said: "This case is going to be very, very heavily publicised." Lawyers for Netflix have been approached for comment.
