Gadd was cleared of any wrongdoing
Richard Gadd, the creator of the hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer, was investigated by producers about his professional conduct after he dated someone who auditioned for the show.
In recent weeks, Baby Reindeer has been the TV show everyone’s talking about. The series recounts the real-world experience Gadd had of being stalked by a woman for several years.
Since its release last month, the show has soared to the top of the most-watched charts in the UK and has received critical acclaim.
However, Deadline reports that Gadd was questioned by producers on the show after he allegedly dated a transgender actress who auditioned for a role.
Reece Lyons auditioned for the part of Donny’s partner Teri in the Netflix series, but Nava Mau was eventually cast to play the character.
According to Deadline, Gadd dated Lyons after encouraging her to audition for the series in 2021. This reportedly prompted Clerkenwell Films, the series’ producers, to investigate Gadd over his conduct.
The 34-year-old was cleared of any wrongdoing, with Clerkenwell concluding Gadd had acted appropriately.
Five days after Baby Reindeer was released, Lyons posted a lengthy thread on X detailing an experience she had whilst auditioning for a Netflix series.
Although Lyons did not mention Gadd’s name or confirm what series it was, Deadline has confirmed this is who she was referring to.
Gadd had allegedly not made Clerkenwell aware of the fact he dated Lyons four times between October and November 2021. The producers only became aware of this after her social media posts.
Lyons posted: “In light of recent conversations surrounding a newly released Netflix show, I have decided to come forward and share my experience with this individual throughout the casting process.”
She claimed a man had approached her after one of her shows and encouraged her to audition for a part in his upcoming Netflix project.
She continued: “The role in question was that of his ex-girlfriend, a trans woman. ‘I didn’t treat her the best,’ he said. I wondered what that meant.
“I told him I was interested in auditioning and asked him to get in touch with my agent at the time. “But there is one other thing,” he said. ‘What?’ I replied. ‘I find you really attractive.'”
Lyons made clear in the posts that she was “not a victim of any type of ‘abuse.'”
After going on dates together, Gadd ended his dating relationship with Lyons in December 2021, three months before the formal casting process for Baby Reindeer began.
Lyons ended up submitting an audition tape for Teri to Nina Gold Casting in March 2022, six months after first meeting Gadd.
He did not have final say on casting decisions, but did give feedback to Clerkenwell Films on audition tapes.
Lyons claims Gadd rang her to say that whilst he thought her audition was “exceptional”, Netflix were “looking for somebody who’s already a star.”
She alleges that when she then asked about their personal relationship, he said: “It’s not going to work. You’re too confrontational for me.”
A Clerkenwell source told Deadline that Lyons account and other evidence was enough to conclude that Gadd behaved professionally and casting decisions were not compromised. The company remains in contact with Lyons’ agent.
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