AceShowbiz - A federal judge has ruled that Netflix's show "Baby Reindeer" did not live up to its billing as a "true story," allowing the real-life "Martha" to pursue her defamation lawsuit. Fiona Harvey, the woman suing Netflix, alleged that the series, created by Richard Gadd, falsely implied that she sexually assaulted Gadd, gouged his eyes, and had been sent to prison for stalking him.

Netflix filed a motion to dismiss the suit in July, arguing that the show was fictionalized and that Harvey was not identifiable as Martha. However, Judge Gary Klausner found that the opening line of the series, "This is a true story," invited viewers to take what followed as fact.

Klausner also noted that the show's portrayal of Martha was significantly worse than what Harvey is accused of in real life. While Harvey was never named on the show, online sleuths were quickly able to identify her.

The judge dismissed Harvey's claims for negligence, violation of her publicity rights, and for punitive damages. However, he allowed her to pursue a claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Despite Netflix's claims that the show was fictionalized and that Harvey was not accurately portrayed, the judge found that "a reasonable viewer could understand the statements about Martha to be about Plaintiff."

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos had previously dismissed the debate about the truthfulness of the show as "uniquely British." However, Judge Klausner ruled that "Martha and Plaintiff have specific similarities that few others could claim to share."

The trial for the case is set for May 6, 2025. Netflix has maintained that it will defend the case vigorously.