“Netflix and Gadd destroyed her reputation, her character and her life,” the complaint states. Harvey further alleges that viewers identified her as the character “Martha” due to a specific phrase, “hang my curtains,” used in the show, which was a euphemism for having sex. Harvey had tweeted this phrase to Gadd in 2014, leading viewers to link her to the character.
Despite Gadd’s public claims of taking great lengths to obscure his stalker’s identity, Harvey asserts that the show’s portrayal has caused her significant emotional distress and reputational damage.
Harvey’s suit includes claims of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and violations of her right of publicity under California law.
Netflix and Harvey’s legal representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Harvey is represented by Richard A. Roth and Brian Levenson of The Roth Law Firm PLLC, and Allen Hyman. Counsel information for Netflix was not immediately available.
The case is Fiona Harvey v. Netflix Inc. et al., case number 2:24-cv-04744, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
