Ninth Circuit Says It Lacks Jurisdiction in Netflix Baby Reindeer Appeal
The court gave Netflix a choice: voluntarily dismiss the appeal or explain why it should not be dismissed. The streamer declined to comment.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that it lacks jurisdiction over Netflix's appeal in Fiona Harvey's defamation lawsuit tied to the series Baby Reindeer, according to Deadline. The court said Netflix must either file a motion to voluntarily dismiss the appeal or file a statement explaining why it should not be dismissed.
The ruling was made on technical grounds and did not address the merits of Netflix's argument. Netflix declined to comment.
Harvey's attorney, Richard Roth, said there will be a trial in the case.
Background
In 2024, Harvey filed a $170 million defamation lawsuit against Netflix over Baby Reindeer. The show premiered in April 2024, has amassed 103 million views, and won Emmy, BAFTA, and Golden Globe awards. The case had been expected to go to trial in May 2025, but a Netflix appeal halted proceedings at the Central District of California Court.
In September 2024, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner ruled that Harvey's case should proceed because the show was billed as a "true story." Netflix has argued that Harvey's claim fails because she does not allege a provably false statement of fact.
Quick answers
What did the Ninth Circuit rule in the Netflix Baby Reindeer appeal?
The court said it lacks jurisdiction over Netflix's appeal and told the streamer to either voluntarily dismiss the appeal or explain why it should not be dismissed.
Will the Fiona Harvey lawsuit against Netflix go to trial?
Harvey's attorney, Richard Roth, said there will be a trial in the case.
How much is Fiona Harvey seeking in the lawsuit?
Harvey filed a $170 million defamation lawsuit against Netflix in 2024.