Content warning: this article discusses rape and sexual assault.
Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd has revealed that some crew members were moved to tears by the series’ traumatic fourth episode.
The series, which has topped Netflix UK’s viewership charts for the last three weeks, tells the semi-autobiographical story of Donny, a struggling comedian who is stalked by an older woman named Martha. Adapted from a one-man play, it is based on events in Gadd’s own life, and he stars in the lead role.
As the seven-episode series progresses, it is gradually revealed that Donny has suffered trauma in his past, which is affecting how he is dealing with his stalker.
In the fourth episode the details of this incident come to light, as it is revealed he was groomed and raped by an older, successful male television writer.
The episode details how the two meet and develop a working relationship, before Darrien grooms Donny with hard drugs over an extended period of time, before eventually assaulting him.
Appearing at the Directors Guild Of America in Los Angeles alongside Baby Reindeer co-stars Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau, Gadd revealed how filming the difficult episode took its toll on the crew.
“We did close the set, but I was looking over and you’d see the props guys wiping tears from their eyes as they would be putting the props back how they should be,” Gadd shared (via The Independent).
“The show was based in such a trauma that everyone on set felt at times it was a huge, weighty thing,” he continued. “And it’s why I think everyone had such respect for everything. I was blessed with this amazing team who kind of felt it with me in a lot of ways.”
“I never wanted to kind of lie,” he added. “I always had to constantly check myself to be like, ‘Does this feel truthful to me, to my experience all the way through?’ And if it didn’t, I would have to bring it back.”
While appearing at the panel earlier this week, Gadd also revealed how he never saw Martha’s character as a “villain” but rather “someone who needed help”.
Meanwhile, the woman claiming to be the inspiration behind Martha’s character has done her first TV interview, which will air on Piers Morgan Uncensored today at 8pm BST.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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