A WOMAN who has been compared to Baby Reindeer’s Martha has hit back at trolls, urging them to “be kind”.
The programme has become a huge hit on Netflix, and tells the true story of Richard Gadd’s experiences after a convicted stalker – named ‘Martha’ in the show – set her sights on him.
Since it was released, millions of fans have become sleuths in a bid to uncover the identity of the real Martha, who’s portrayed by Jessica Gunning in the limited series.
And following the success of Baby Reindeer, Ellen Stafford has found herself targeted by cruel trolls asking if she’s got something to do with it.
In fact, over 500 people have logged on to all say the same thing – and the remarks have left Ellen feeling “sad and gutted”.
It’s easy to hide behind a screen and be nasty to someone you don’t know but people have feelings.
Ellen Stafford
Speaking on a TikTok video, she said: “Lately I have been having people comment and call me Martha from Baby Reindeer.
“Now, I haven’t seen the series, but I know that that’s not a compliment. I’ve never been a stalker.
“And I think it’s disgusting that people are comparing me to this fictional character, whether it was real or not.”
The 45-year-old from Somerset added that it’s “not very nice” for people to make out that she’s “some kind of mentally deranged person” when she’s clearly not.
“So anybody who calls me that will get banned from my account, whether it be on live or whether it be in the comments.
“Because it is a very nasty thing to say.”
Ellen went on to say that the only similarity that she can see between herself and Martha – having not watched the show – is because she’s “fat and the woman who played the character was large“.
“And I just think it’s disgusting that people come on here and talk to strangers like that,” she concluded.
“So this is just your warning, guys. If you say it, you’re banned.”
Despite the rude remarks that were left on Ellen’s account, she’s had some support too – including from rap superstar Stormzy.
“Don’t mind ’em they’re losers!” he commented on the video.
“God bless you, you’re lovely!”
And speaking to Fabulous, Ellen added that Stormzy’s remark came at the best time.
“I’d like to thank the kind people who have taken time out of their day to reach out to me in a positive way including Stormzy, who commented on my post,” she said.
“His comment made me smile so much and it was so lovely he reached out to me in a positive way.”
The Netflix series has become quite the breakout smash hit...
Other supportive comments came from author Vix King, who wrote: “I’m sorry you have to deal with that. You’re full of light, keep being you.”
While another said: “Kindness is priceless and comparisons to Martha are irrelevant. Keep shining and ignore the negativity.”
“Awh I’m so sorry this is happening to you,” a third wrote.
“You are so kind and funny and not like that character at all, we love you.”
“People can be so cruel. I hope you’re ok,” someone else sighed.
As for what she thinks of trolls, Ellen added: “Just to be kind.
“It’s easy to hide behind a screen and be nasty to someone you don’t know but people have feelings.
“I have feelings.”
