It has been revealed that creator of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd, has pleaded with internet users to stop trying to identify the real-life identity of the woman portrayed as his stalker in the series. Despite Gadd changing names and other details of the story in order to protect those involved, many individuals have taken to social media in attempts to unearth the woman’s true identity. Since the show’s release, it has been widely watched, with many users online suggesting that they have discovered who the stalker might be.
Gadd has condemned this behaviour and lashed out against those who are attempting to uncover the person’s details. The show’s message is less about the identity of the person who stalked Gadd and more focussed on the danger of stalking and the damage it can cause. Gadd would like the public to respect the privacy of those involved and have empathy for the woman who allegedly stalked him, as stalking is a form of mental illness. The creator has previously made it clear that the show is not designed to target its subject but rather highlight the issue of stalking.
Baby Reindeer tells the story of a struggling comedian named Donny, portraying his unusual relationship with a woman named Martha, whose friendly demeanor starts to unravel as she slowly begins to stalk him. Viewers have since found their interest piqued, with many wondering who the real-life inspiration for the character of Martha could be. There have even been theories about hidden codes and messages hidden within the series.
Quite rightly, Gadd has emphasised that speculation about the real-life identities of those involved is not the point of the show. The programme’s main aim was to demonstrate the effects of stalking on an individual’s mental health, self-esteem, and daily life. It is essential that the message the creator was trying to convey in Baby Reindeer, the danger of stalking, is not lost in the mire of online speculation. Gadd has concluded that it would be unjust to portray the stalker as a monster because she’s unwell, and the system has failed her
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