Richard Gadd makes moving speech after win for outstanding writing for a limited series, anthology or movie
Richard Gadd took home the Emmy award for outstanding writing for a limited series, anthology or movie.
Gadd marked the moment by making a heartfelt speech, reflecting on his personal experience to offer up inspiration for those going through a hard time.
“Ten years ago, I was down and out. I never, ever thought I’d get my life together. I never ever thought I’d be able to rectify myself for what had happened to me and get myself back on my feet again,” Gadd said. “And then here I am just over a decade later picking up one of the biggest writing awards in television.”
“I don’t know much about this life, I don’t know why we’re here – none of that. But I do know nothing lasts forever and no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better. So if you’re struggling, keep going, keep going and I promise you things will be ok,” he added.
A twisty and engrossing tale involving stalking, grooming, abuse and artistic license, “Baby Reindeer” was a sensation when it debuted and has since remained a focus of attention, with some of the real-life players behind it disputing the story’s veracity.
Lawsuit context: The series is actually the subject of a lawsuit. Netflix said in June that it would fight a multimillion-dollar claim for damages brought by a Scottish woman who alleges she was defamed by the hit show and its portrayal of a female stalker.
Fiona Harvey is seeking a jury trial and damages totaling $170 million for “mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of business,” according to a complaint filed in the District Court for the Central District of California. The document alleges that the defendants and Gadd told the “biggest lie in television history” by claiming the story is true.
For his part, Gadd previously told UK newspaper The Guardian the story is “very emotionally true” but that he wanted the series to exist as a piece of art and protect the identities of those involved. His repeated requests, however, for viewers to cease trying to find out the real-life identities of the figures in his story went unheard.
In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for Netflix said, “We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.”
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