It's a 'true story' that is not worthy of an award

Hollywood bigwig calls for the academy to snub 'lying' hit Netflix show

- JOHN DINGWALL

A TOP Hollywood insider has called for America's TV awards to snub Baby Reindeer because the show is "a lie" and "not awards-worthy".

Ex-Hollywood Reporter editor Matthew Belloni, 54, says the Emmys 25,000-strong academy should not vote for Scots comedian Richard Gadd's hit series.

He claims the show was unfair on "real-life Martha", Scot Fiona Harvey, who unlike the stalker in the hit series has never been convicted of an offence.

Belloni said: "Netflix opens Baby Reindeer with a title card that boldly and unusually says. "This is a true story.

"Not 'based on a true story' or inspired by true events, but an explicit promise to viewers: Watch this OMFG bonkers ridic story because it's TOTALLY TRUE.

"Only in the end credits does it acknowledge that scenes and characters have been changed. And it worked.

"Everyone watched, high viewership led to great buzz, which led to awards attention, all thanks in part to what we now know is a lie."