Netflix loses appeal bid as Baby Reindeer defamation trial over 'true story' label moves closer

Fiona Harvey, the former Scottish lawyer who claims Baby Reindeer falsely portrayed her as stalker character Martha, is a step closer to a trial after the US Court of Appeals dismissed Netflix's attempt to have the $170m (£127m) lawsuit thrown out. Harvey's legal team called her 'elated' at the ruling, vowing Netflix's 'wrongdoing will be front and centre before a jury.' Netflix had argued Harvey could not identify a provably false statement, and that her reputation was already damaged before the show aired.

A judge previously ruled that Baby Reindeer's 'This is a true story' label could itself be disputed at trial.

Harvey has described the series as 'the biggest lie in television history' and has never been convicted of stalking creator Richard Gadd.

Netflix faces a potential jury trial after failing to persuade courts the case should be dismissed before it reaches one.