Richard Gadd says he still has “dark days” despite ‘Baby Reindeer’ success
Actor and comedian Richard Gadd has said he still has “dark days” despite the success of his hit Netflix show, Baby Reindeer.
The drama series, which was created and written by comedian Gadd, has proven a ratings hit on the streaming platform. Gadd He portrays a fictional version of himself, Donny, in the show.
The seven-part programme depicts Gadd’s real experience of being relentlessly stalked by an older woman who is called ‘Martha’ in the show. A title card in the first episode claims it is a “true story”, with many viewers subsequently attempting to find the real people behind the characters.
In a new interview with Deadline, Gadd is asked about success and whether or not this leads to happiness.
In the discussion, Deadline state: “We equate happiness with money, but there are a lot of very rich people who probably thought becoming rich would solve all their problems.”
In response, Gadd explained: “It probably adds to them, right? Ambition is great, but sometimes setting those kinds of goalposts for yourself is dangerous. Buying a flat is a good example, where you think, “I’ll buy a flat, I’ll pick up the keys, twist the lock, and then my life will all come together.” It never works like that.
“When you put work out into the world, even if it’s just as simple as sending an email, you think, “That’s it, everything is going to make sense. Everyone is going to understand me, and everything will be fine.” It doesn’t work like that. Going through a trauma — or really, any internal struggle, it doesn’t even have to be that severe — the solutions have to come from a certain sense of self. Ambition can bring a lot of happiness, but I think internal satisfaction and happiness does come from having a certain ease on yourself, and a certain way of thinking and receiving the world.”
He continued: “It’s an ongoing process for me. I don’t act like I’ve found the secret sauce. I still struggle with a lot of things, but I’ve certainly learned that no external thing can be the solution. Baby Reindeer is one of the biggest shows in Netflix history, and I still struggle with some of the themes in it, despite the fact there’s been a lot of acceptance around them. I still have my dark days.”
Recently, Gadd finally responded to a lawsuit from the woman whom his Netflix show is reportedly based on.
In the lawsuit filed in the US district court for the central district of California, Harvey accused the streaming giant of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, gross negligence and violations of her right of publicity (via The Guardian).
Many viewers subsequently attempted to find the real people behind the characters, which led to Harvey giving her first TV interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, during which she threatened legal action against both Gadd and Netflix. She later said she was planning a case “against all those who have lied about me” in a lengthy statement.
Harvey identified herself as the inspiration behind Baby Reindeer, but denied many aspects of the story – including being a stalker, sending Gadd 41,000 emails, hundreds of voice messages and over 100 letters.
Harvey is seeking at least $50millon (£39m) for actual damages, at least $50million in compensatory damages for “mental anguish, loss of enjoyment and loss of business”, as well as at least $50million for “all profits from Baby Reindeer“, and $20million (£15.6m) for punitive damages.
A spokesperson for Netflix said: “We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.”
Gadd has since responded to the suit, detailing what he describes as the “exhausting and extremely upsetting” stalking he allegedly experienced at the hands of Harvey in a 21-page document filed to a California court on July 29 (as per The Guardian).
For more help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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Elizabeth Aubrey
NME
