Baby Reindeer on Netflix is based on Scottish performer Richard Gadd‘s autobiographical stage show and his real life experiences of being stalked and sexually assaulted.
But in the days following the dark comedy drama dropping on Netflix, speculation has been rife about how authentically Richard has created characters.
Amid the fallout, unfounded accusations have spread on social media, leading to Richard to shut down allegations about who may have assaulted him in reality.
And others have come forward to make claims in the press about recognising the all-too-real inspiration behind stalker character Martha, too.
Martha stalks Donny, played by Richard Gadd who was stalked in real life, in Baby Reindeer (Credit: YouTube)
Baby Reindeer on Netflix
In Baby Reindeer, crashingly bad stand up and mildly compassionate barman Donny acquires an unwanted admirer after he takes pity on a customer – Martha – and gives her a drink for free.
Within long, his entire life is interrupted by Martha’s intrusive emails and demands upon his time… even though Donny begins to wonder whether the connection they have may be more two-sided than stalkers tend to have with their victims.
However, Martha is not Donny’s first encounter with a relationship (of sorts) wrapped up in abusive behaviours. As an aspiring writer, Donny was bowled over by a hero writer of his – Darrien O’Connor – taking interest in him. But before long, that mentorship association is also muddied by dependence, substance abuse, and serious sexual assault.
Donny Dunn takes a moment during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Credit: YouTube)
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