Key Takeaways:
– Baby Reindeer creator and actor Richard Gadd allegedly dated trans actress Reece Lyons who auditioned for a leading role in the show.
– Lyons took to Twitter to share her experiences with Gadd during the casting process.
– Gadd has been cleared of any wrongdoings by Clerkenwell Films, the show’s producer, despite raising many questions about his professional ethics.
Despite the sweeping success of Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer,’ it’s not all smooth sailing for the show’s creator and star Richard Gadd. After breaking viewership records with 22 million views, controversy has overshadowed the feat, putting Gadd in the hot seat.
Controversial Casting Choices
Regularly in the headlines for various reasons, ‘Baby Reindeer’ has come under fire again: not for the content this time, but for alleged professional misconduct of its creator Richard Gadd. It all began when Reece Lyons, the trans actress famous for her role in ‘Hanna’ (2019), revealed an intriguing story on Twitter, as reported by Deadline.
Lyons initially didn’t name who her post referred to, but the actor was later identified as Richard Gadd. In her Twitter thread, Lyons shared how he asked her to audition for the role of his trans ex-girlfriend while expressing romantic interest towards her simultaneously.
Awe and Horror: Lyons’ Experience with Gadd
Lyons recalled her initial encounter with Gadd, who told her about his upcoming Netflix show and the role of his ex-girlfriend, a trans woman, whom he admitted to treating poorly. She agreed to audition for the role and asked Gadd to contact her agent when he confessed his attraction to her.
After reading the ‘Baby Reindeer’ script, Lyons found herself both captivated and repulsed, especially by the treatment of Gadd’s trans ex-girlfriend in the narrative. However, she still decided to date Gadd but encountered resistance when she questioned his apparent fetishizing of trans women.
Change of Tide and a Broken Heart
The role Lyons auditioned for was eventually given to Nava Mau, who portrayed Teri, a therapist whom Gadd’s character meets on a trans dating site. After ending her relationship with Gadd, Lyons rekindled their romantic affiliation, apprehensive that her refusal might jeopardize her chances in the series.
Despite every effort, her audition did not pass, and Gadd ended their relationship. Lyons stated that Gadd complimented her audition over the phone before revealing that Netflix wanted an already established star. Upon asking about their relationship, she received the disheartening response that she was too confrontational for him.
Although Lyons clarified she wasn’t a victim of abuse, Gadd’s actions undoubtedly hurt her.
An Investigation with No Consequences
Following Lyons’ revelations, Clerkenwell Films, the series’ producers, conducted a probe into the allegations against Gadd. He was eventually cleared of misconduct, but the disclosure has inevitably raised questions about his professional ethics.
Despite the controversy, ‘Baby Reindeer’ continues its successful run on Netflix. Its future, as well as Gadd’s professional journey, will be closely watched in the wake of these troubling allegations.
While this story has cast a shadow over the groundbreaking miniseries, it’s an important reminder about the ethical conduct expected from influential figures in the industry. The issues raised by Lyons open up crucial dialogues—discussions that might hopefully lead to change in Hollywood regarding power dynamics, casting, and professional boundaries. At the end of the day, it’s not just about making good TV, but also about creating an inclusive, safe, and fair industry.
