Fiona Harvey, the real-life inspiration for the character Martha in the blockbusting Netflix series Baby Reindeer, allegedly sent hundreds of alarming emails to Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Baby Reindeer, created by and starring Richard Gadd and based on true events from his life, depicts the story of Gadd’s Donny Dunn. He meets a woman named Martha, portrayed by Jessica Gunning, who becomes increasingly obsessed with him and begins to stalk him in the streets and on social media.
Martha’s behaviour quickly spirals out of control as she makes strange requests and becomes violent towards Donny and his close friends and family. Donny, a failing comedian, initially sees comic potential in the strange scenario, but he soon realises he may have bitten off more than he could chew.
Since its arrival, Baby Reindeer has stirred controversy due to its unflinching exposure to true events that many people would consider mortifying. Gadd revealed that he tried to cover up Martha’s true identity and urged viewers not to seek her out.
Despite his requests, Fiona Harvey has surfaced voluntarily to denounce the events depicted in Baby Reindeer. Most memorably, Harvey appeared on television for an impassioned interview with Piers Morgan, during which she defended her oddball behaviour.
Morgan questioned her about the harassing emails she supposedly sent Gadd. In response, she described the show as “a work of fiction” and “a work of hyperbole.” Harvey added, “I wanted to rebut that completely on this show—I am not a stalker, I have not been to jail, I’ve not got injunctions—it is complete nonsense.”
Since her denouncements, however, several other victims have come forward with similar allegations of harassment, including Janey Godley. Now, it appears Sir Keir Starmer may have received some of her incessant messages, too.
According to a recent report by The Sun, Harvey allegedly sent the Labour leader 276 messages in just under eight months. Some of the messages are described as “vicious” in nature, targeting him and his family. She allegedly described him as a “useless barrister”, a “non-job”, and “a stupid little boy”.
The threats culminated in one of legal complaints and watchdogs as she added: “Your life won’t be worth living.” Another email allegedly targeted Starmer’s wife, Victoria: “God, she looks dreadful. Dreadful.”
Gadd’s series seemed to reach a satisfying conclusion. However, as the drama continues to unfold, perhaps the story isn’t over just yet.
