Internet sleuths have issued an urgent warning in the wake of Netflix’s Baby Reindeer controversy.
Last night, the woman claiming to be the real life Martha from the Netflix series Baby Reindeer sat down with Piers Morgan for an interview that aired on the former Good Morning Britain anchor’s YouTube channel. The individual, who The Mirror has chosen not to name or photograph, insists that she is the inspiration behind stalker Martha in the Netflix show Baby Reindeer.
The interview has sparked outrage and concern among some, with even Lorraine Kelly expressing worry for ‘the real life Martha’. Speaking on her ITV show on Thursday, Lorraine told viewers: “That’s Piers Morgan there with the ‘real-life Martha’ from Netflix’s hit show, Baby Reindeer, his interview is going to be out later today.
“Apparently, the stalking drama was based on her with [actress] Jessica Gunning playing a version of her in the show but it’s also a drama, it was based on real life. I just hope the ‘real-life Martha’ is actually alright, that she’s okay and she’s going to be fine to be interviewed…”
Now, a defamation expert has issued an urgent warning to internet sleuths, emphasizing the “potentially serious consequences for their actions”.
When asked at what point internet sleuthing becomes defamatory, Dan Jennings, partner and defamation expert at national law firm Shakespeare Martineau, explained: “The rising number of true crime documentaries, podcasts and tv dramas ‘based on a true story’ have captured the public’s imagination, allowing anyone with an internet connection to become an amateur detective. Too often, individuals forget that there are real people behind the accusations they make online, as well as potentially serious consequences for their actions.”
He added: “For years the internet has been treated by its users like the wild west, where they believed anything could be published with few real-world repercussions. While that has never been the case, now that may be brought home to ordinary users of social media. With the real person behind the character of ‘Martha’ stating they are considering legal action; it might not just be the show’s writer or Netflix in the firing line. Content creators, influencers and ordinary members of the public could also be at risk by repeating what could be deemed ‘defamatory’ claims to their online followers.
“Armchair detectives should carefully consider the ramifications of trying to track down the real people behind a story. If producers have taken measures to anonymise characters, for example by changing their name, it should serve as a deterrent. If individuals choose to forge ahead and repeat or spread claims that are defamatory, they could quickly find themselves at the wrong end of a lawsuit.”
Dan went on: “Publishing online accusations and comments about people could also easily cross the line to become distressing and oppressive, leaving the subjects of those posts with claims to restrain online harassment.
“It’s not just those with larger followings who should think twice before posting. Individuals who engage with content created by others could also be putting themselves at risk, as republishing content, whether that’s a blog or a social media post, perpetuates the claim and carries the same legal liability.”
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Tags: Urgent warning Baby Reindeer warning real Martha tellall chat
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