Fiona Harvey released a statement to Entertainment Tonight through senior attorney Chris Daw explaining her plan to sue "all of those who have lied about me and used my image to make large sums of money for themselves."

Internet sleuths had identified Harvey as the inspiration behind the Martha character within days of the show airing, despite calls from Richard Gadd asking fans to not seek out the real-life identities of the characters in the show on multiple occasions.

In the show, Martha is criminally convicted of stalking. Harvey argues that by marketing Baby Reindeer as a true story, Netflix and Richard Gadd have essentially defamed her.

“I have no doubt that the character of Martha in Baby Reindeer was intended to be a portrayal of me,” the statement reads.

“The problem for Richard Gadd and now for Netflix is that Baby Reindeer is not a true story at all. I am not a ‘convicted stalker’. I have never been charged with any crime, let alone been convicted, still less pleaded guilty and of course, I have never been to prison for anything. This is how Gadd and Netflix chose to portray me in a TV show, for their own financial gain.

“Nobody ever approached me for any comment on the accuracy of Baby Reindeer, or the very serious and damaging allegation that I am a convicted criminal, with a serious criminal record, who has spent time in prison. Nobody ever asked for my permission to present me in this way or to use my image at all.”

“My rapid identification as the real Martha has caused untold damage to my health, my reputation, my job prospects and my ability to make sensible decisions about my welfare and best interests. This media firestorm continues, with daily bombardments of calls seeking comment on stories of every possible kind.”

Harvey adds that the avalanche of attention she has received following the airing of the season has caused “untold damage” to her health, reputation and job prospects.

She concludes the statement calling for people to respect her privacy and that she will not make any further media comments until further notice.

“For the good of my health, please respect my privacy and please stop the endless calls and messages, asking for interviews, comments, and so many other things. I have made clear that I am not physically able to cope with relentless harassment from journalists and, if this continues, I will make a report to the police.”

On May 9, Piers Morgan interviewed Harvey, where she identified herself as the inspiration behind the character.