Laura Wray, widow of former Labour MP Jimmy Wray, revealed her fear for her safety after her past stalker, now identified as the real-life inspiration for a character in the popular Netflix series Baby Reindeer, resurfaced in the public eye. Laura described the distressing memories triggered by the woman’s recent interview with Piers Morgan, stating that the woman had previously caused her significant harm with false allegations and disruptive behavior. Laura expressed concern over the possibility of the woman coming after her again, as she continues to post abusive comments online, accusing Laura of being abusive herself.
Laura believes that she indirectly appears in Baby Reindeer through a fictional newspaper article depicting a sick stalker targeting a barrister’s deaf child. She criticized Netflix for not protecting the stalker’s identity, despite the show being based on a true story, where the people involved are still alive and vulnerable to harm. Laura emphasized the similarities between the character Martha in the series and her own stalker, highlighting the distressing parallels in their behaviors and actions. She called for the woman’s friends to intervene and stop the ongoing circus surrounding her actions.
The psychological perspective on stalking behaviors suggests that stalkers often have unresolved childhood trauma or unmet needs that drive their obsessive fixation on their victims. Stalkers may project their desires, fantasies, or fears onto their victims, creating a distorted perception of a special relationship that may not exist. They may seek validation from their victims, even when the attention is unwanted. In the case of Baby Reindeer, the character of Martha exemplifies the consequences of a stalker losing control over their victim and spiraling into a distorted reality.
The series depicts Martha’s unraveling as she loses control over her victim, leading to legal consequences and imprisonment. Psychologists highlight that stalkers may not fully comprehend the impact of their actions, feeling justified in their behavior and believing in the existence of a genuine relationship with their victims. The lack of understanding of the harm they cause may reinforce the stalker’s delusion and contribute to their sense of entitlement and vindication in their actions. Stalkers often exhibit a history of failed relationships, low self-esteem, and mental health issues, which may fuel their obsessive behaviors.
Martha’s grandiose behavior and fixation on her victim in Baby Reindeer demonstrate common traits of stalkers, such as obsessive preoccupation with a particular person and control-seeking tendencies. Viewers witness Martha’s exaggerated claims and false perceptions of reality as she struggles to maintain a sense of power and dominance over her victim. The portrayal of stalking behaviors sheds light on the complexities and psychological factors driving such harmful actions, emphasizing the need for understanding and awareness of the impact on victims’ well-being.
In the real-life scenario mirroring the events of Baby Reindeer, Laura’s stalker denied the allegations and legal consequences portrayed in the series. The woman claimed that she had never been charged with an offense or sent to prison, challenging the fictionalized portrayal of her character. While the series fictionalized the events, Laura’s personal experience with the stalker underscores the lasting effects of such traumatic encounters and the need for protection and support for victims of stalking behaviors.
