Netflix pens new Richard Gadd deal despite Baby Reindeer's $170 million lawsuit - 'just the beginning'

Netflix has penned a new deal with Richard Gadd despite a $170 million defamation case being taken out against Baby Reindeer .

The comedian and actor recently bagged six Emmy awards for his ground-breaking, critically acclaimed series based on his Edinburgh Fringe one-man play about his warped relationship with his stalker, Martha (Jessica Gunning).

In June, Fiona Harvey, a Scottish attorney living in England, claimed the character Martha was clearly based on her . She is suing the streaming giant for defamation and is seeking at least $170 million in damages.

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“It’s been a whirlwind since Baby Reindeer came out,” Gadd recently told Tudum. “It’s been positive, it’s been overwhelming. I’ve had people coming up to me being like, ‘ It’s allowed me and my family to talk about this thing that has hung over our family for so many years .’

"There was a 53 per cent rise in referrals to abuse charities, and stalking charities up 47 per cent. That is not spoken about enough, I think, in all of the stuff that’s going on with Baby Reindeer . Some of those responses, people seeking help, are some of the best responses of all. It’s worth it.”

The lawsuit filed in federal court in Los Angeles also alleges that Netflix was negligent, intentionally subjected Harvey to emotional distress and violated her right to publicity.

Despite this, Netflix is expanding its relationship with Gadd with a multiyear scripted series first-look deal. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos dubbed Baby Reindeer "just the beginning" with "more ground-breaking scripted TV" to come .

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“I’m beyond thrilled to be continuing my creative journey with Netflix ,” Gadd told Netflix. “They took a chance on me when I wasn’t proven in the television space. For that I will always be grateful. I look forward to the years ahead."

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