Sun Sep 15 16:23:58 UTC 2024: ## Netflix Stands By ‘Baby Reindeer’ Amid Defamation Lawsuit

**Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has reaffirmed his support for the controversial show “Baby Reindeer” despite a $170 million defamation lawsuit filed against the streamer and creator Richard Gadd.**

The lawsuit, filed by Fiona Harvey, claims that the show’s portrayal of a character inspired by her, who was imprisoned for stalking Gadd, is inaccurate and defamatory. Harvey maintains that she was never convicted of the crime.

Despite this, Sarandos told The Times of London that he is “proud of the show and the way Richard handled the story.” He defended the show’s “true story” label, acknowledging that certain elements were fictionalized for dramatic purposes.

“It was no one’s intent to use a label recklessly,” Sarandos explained. “That is Richard’s true story. The fact that you’re watching on television says that parts of it were certainly fictionalised and dramatised.”

The CEO also expressed surprise at the show’s global success, stating, “I’m surprised that it’s a continued debate.”

In the same interview, Sarandos reassured viewers of Netflix’s commitment to UK production, highlighting upcoming projects like “The Gentlemen” and “Bridgerton.”

Sarandos also revealed his current favorite non-Netflix show to be FX’s “The Bear,” praising the series for raising “TV to a higher bar.”

This latest statement from Sarandos further solidifies Netflix’s support for “Baby Reindeer” and the creative choices made by Gadd in telling his personal story. The lawsuit is still pending and the outcome could have significant ramifications for the future of true-crime storytelling on streaming platforms.

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