Cops are investigating after Baby Reindeer viewers falsely accused a man of being Richard Gadd’s real-life abuser.
Netflix’s hit one show is based on comedian Richard’s experience of being stalked. In the seven-part drama, which tells a true story, harrowing scenes show his character Donny being repeatedly sexually assaulted by fictional male TV writer named Darrien.
However, after watching the series, fans have since taken it upon themselves to expose the true identity of the character and police have been confirmed that one man has been targeted with abuse and threats against him.
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
A spokesman for a British police force told The Sun: “We’re investigating after a man reported receiving threatening messages on social media. Enquiries are at an early stage and we are in the process of gathering information from the victim.”
(Image: Netflix)
The show’s creator Richard has previously urged people to not speculate about who any of the real life inspirations for characters on the show could be. Despite his request, fans spread theories about the identity of the show’s main antagonist, Martha, who harassed Richard over a number of years. Gadd says he anonymised characters for legal reasons and to protect vulnerable people – despite using real messages and publicising it was based on a true story.
(Image: Netflix)
He recently told Variety magazine: “It’s all emotionally 100% true, if that makes sense. It’s all borrowed from instances that happened to me and real people that I met “But of course, you can’t do the exact truth, for both legal and artistic reasons. I mean there’s certain protections, you can’t just copy somebody else’s life and name and put it onto television.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“And obviously, we were very aware that some characters in it are vulnerable people, so you don’t want to make their lives more difficult. So you have to change things to protect yourself and protect other people.”
If you have been affected by this story, contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 08088029999 or their website or 08088010302 if you’re calling from Scotland. You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
