Richard Gadd wrote Baby Reindeer after therapy ‘failed to help sex abuse trauma’

Richard Gadd has shared that his hit TV show, Baby Reindeer, was born out of his therapy’s failure to aid him in dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse. The 35-year-old Scottish star tried various forms of counselling to cope with being sexually assaulted by a powerful theatre producer who had promised him fame. Gadd previously hinted at his ordeal as a stand-up comedian at Edinburgh’s Fringe festival, notably with his one-man show Monkey See, Monkey Do, but he felt that he wasn’t truly facing his experiences. He felt a need to confess his truth, leading him to create Baby Reindeer, a Netflix mini-series where he opened up about his abuse.

In the show, Gadd plays a fictionalised version of himself, named Donny Dunn, who faces a stalker named Martha. Drawing from his own experiences, the series also portrays Gadd being abused by a powerful entertainment producer. Despite initial struggles with his comedy shows, Gadd found solace and emotional release in performing, whether the shows were successful or not. He describes the cathartic nature of comedy, how it can heal or expose vulnerabilities, and the importance of confronting one’s emotions and experiences.

Writing Baby Reindeer became a turning point for Gadd, propelling him into the spotlight and earning him three Emmy awards. The success and overwhelming recognition of the show brought both challenges and a sense of liberation for Gadd. By being honest about his past trauma, he found a path towards healing and acceptance. Reflecting on his journey, Gadd emphasises the power of writing and expressing emotions as a means to process and overcome difficult experiences.

In sharing his story through Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd has not only found success in his career but also a sense of closure and emotional growth from his past trauma. Through his vulnerability and creative expression, he highlights the importance of facing and owning one’s truth for personal healing and growth.