The writer Richard Gadd, who plays himself while he deals with stalker Martha Scott, claims that the show is based on his true story.
Fiona Harvey, 58, is said to have inspired Martha, who begins stalking Gadd after he gives her a free cup of tea at the pub where he works.
Ms. Harvey claims in the lawsuit that Netflix has been disseminating “brutal lies,” such as the claim that she is a “twice convicted stalker who was sentenced to five years in prison.”
“Defendants continued to tell these lies because they made a better story than the truth, and better stories are what matter.”
Harvey’s life had been ruined by the dishonesty, misconduct, and flagrant carelessness of the defendants.”
She claims Netflix of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence, and infringement of her right to publicity, according to the legal documents filed at a federal court in California.
A representative for Netflix stated to News, “We intend to vigorously defend this matter and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.”
In an interview last month, Ms. Harvey told journalist Piers Morgan that she felt “forced” to come forward after getting death threats from “internet sleuths” via online means.
Fiona Harvey called the series “a work of fiction” and denied being a stalker on multiple occasions.
Gadd had requested that followers give off looking for the individuals behind the scenes.
