The woman who inspired the controversial Netflix stalker drama Baby Reindeer has been thrust into a fresh political scandal after it was claimed she applied to become a parliamentary candidate for Reform UK.
Political Bid Denied Amid Legal Battle
Party sources have stated they received a CV from Fiona Harvey, a 59-year-old Scottish law graduate. This development comes as Harvey is currently pursuing a £132 million lawsuit against Netflix over the series, which she claims is filled with 'brutal lies'.
However, Harvey has vehemently denied these political rumours. She insisted, 'I have not applied to be a Reform MP. I am not interested in being an MP.' The graduate suggested that one of the many imposters she has encountered online may have made the application in her name.
She further elaborated on her political disinterest, adding, 'I'm not interested in politics... All I will say is that Keir Starmer should be going - if you sent him to the chip shop to get a pickled egg he'd come back without a pickled egg.'
The Baby Reindeer Controversy and Fallout
Baby Reindeer, billed as a 'true story', skyrocketed to become one of the most debated television shows in recent history. The seven-episode series, created by and starring Richard Gadd, depicts his character Donny being stalked and abused by an obsessed woman named Martha, played by Jessica Gunning.
Following the show's release, internet users identified Harvey as the real-life inspiration for Martha. She publicly accused Netflix of defamation, stating the series falsely portrays her as a 'twice-convicted stalker' who was sentenced to five years in prison. Her multi-million pound lawsuit alleges the show falsely implied she sexually assaulted Gadd and gouged his eyes.
Although Netflix moved to dismiss the lawsuit in July, a judge ruled that Baby Reindeer did not live up to its 'true story' billing, allowing Harvey's case to proceed.
A Life in the Spotlight
Before her unexpected notoriety from the Netflix series, Harvey had a documented online presence where she posted comments criticising the Labour party in the London borough of Camden and attacking lax migration policies.
Since being named as the 'real Martha', she has given several high-profile interviews, including one on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Harvey claims the portrayal has led to her receiving death threats.
Despite the show's critical acclaim, which includes four Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes (with Gunning winning Best Supporting Actress for her role as Martha), Harvey maintains that the cost to her personal life and safety has been devastating.
When questioned about her support for Reform UK figurehead Nigel Farage, Harvey refused to comment. She did, however, state she had no dealings with the party that could be misconstrued and confirmed she would be contacting her American lawyer about the claims of her political application.
