"The Sandman" Author Neil Gaiman Accused of Sexual Assault by 9 Women.
New allegations have emerged among nearly a dozen claims from women who accuse award-winning novelist Neil Gaiman of sexual assault.
On Monday, Vulture released a report detailing these new accusations against Gaiman, alongside allegations that first came to light last year. The 64-year-old English fantasy author is known for his works such as "The Sandman," "Good Omens," "American Gods," and "Coraline," all of which have been adapted into films and television series.
A six-episode podcast series from the U.K. media outlet Tortoise, titled "Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman," is set to launch in summer 2024 and initially presented five allegations of sexual assault. Vulture's investigation has uncovered four additional allegations that share similarities with those previously reported, and the outlet claims to have examined texts, diary entries, emails with friends, and police communications.
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The youngest of the alleged victims was 18, while most of the women were in their 20s at the time of the alleged incidents, during which Gaiman was in his 40s or older. One exception involves a claim from a woman who alleges that Gaiman forcibly kissed her in 1986, when he was in his mid-20s. Some of the women were fans, and a few were colleagues of Gaiman during the time of the alleged events. Representatives for Gaiman have responded to various media outlets, asserting that the encounters were consensual and involved BDSM practices.
Scarlett Pavlovich shared her experience of working as a nanny for Amanda Palmer, Gaiman's then-estranged second wife, starting in 2022. She alleged that Gaiman assaulted her in a bathtub on his property after unexpectedly joining her. During this encounter, he initiated a conversation before physically attacking her and insisted she refer to him as "master."
As Pavlovich continued her babysitting duties, she recounted further alleged incidents of non-consensual sexual acts, claiming that at one point, she lost consciousness due to the pain, and she was also forced to ingest her own waste, all while being labeled a "slave." Another woman, Kendall, recounted an incident from 2012 where Gaiman allegedly forced himself on her and kissed her while they were on a tour bus.
Kendra Stout described a relationship with Gaiman that began in 2003, which she claims became physically abusive, involving beatings and rough sexual encounters. Stout recounted a specific occasion when she informed Gaiman that she was unable to have sex due to a painful urinary tract infection, but he disregarded her concerns. Caroline began a sexual relationship with Gaiman after her husband left their home. In 2018, during a vulnerable period, she alleged that Gaiman reached down her pants. Their encounters reportedly continued for two years, including a troubling incident where, while she was reading to his then-4-year-old son in bed, Gaiman climbed in and pulled her hand toward his genitals, with the child present. "He lacked boundaries," she told Vulture. "I remember thinking that something was seriously wrong with him." Ultimately, Caroline decided to end the sexual relationship and was compelled to leave Gaiman's property after signing a 16-page non-disclosure agreement and receiving a payment of $300,000.
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Vulture also reached out to friends of Gaiman's second wife, who is now his ex, and they claimed that the couple had an open relationship. One woman, using the pseudonym Rachel, reportedly began a relationship with Palmer before being introduced to Gaiman by her.
While Rachel stated that there was never a clear violation of consent, she shared with Vulture that her experiences with Gaiman included demands that often left her feeling scared or hurt. Gaiman and Palmer finalized their divorce in 2022. Based on Vulture's findings and conversations with her friends, it seems that Gaiman's behavior played a role in the divorce, although Palmer appeared to be aware of some incidents when she asked Pavlovich to look after her son.
Pavlovich claims she eventually informed Palmer about various incidents, including one where she was raped and forced to ingest Gaiman's urine while his child was present, which reportedly shocked Palmer and led her to recommend that Gaiman seek counseling. According to Vulture, the writer never followed through with that suggestion. Since last summer, several projects associated with Gaiman have reportedly been put on hold or scaled back. IndieWire noted in September 2024 that Disney had paused its film adaptation of Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book." Additionally, in October, it was reported that the Amazon Prime Video series "Good Omens" would conclude with a 90-minute TV movie instead of a full third season, a decision later confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios. Netflix has not yet provided any updates regarding the future of its adaptation of "The Sandman," which is based on the DC Comic and is preparing for its third season.
The new allegations against Neil Gaiman, including accusations from multiple women spanning decades, have sparked serious concerns about his behavior. While Gaiman’s representatives claim the encounters were consensual, the mounting legal and professional consequences suggest a significant fallout. His projects have been delayed, leaving his career uncertain.
Who is Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is a celebrated British writer, widely recognized for his contributions to fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He was born on November 10, 1960, in Portchester, England, and rose to global prominence with his graphic novel series The Sandman, which transformed the comic book landscape and achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Gaiman is also famous for his novels like American Gods, Good Omens (co-authored with Terry Pratchett), and Coraline, all of which have been adapted into films and TV shows.
His writing often intertwines mythology, folklore, and elements of dark fantasy, earning him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards. In addition to his literary work, Gaiman has made significant contributions to film and television, including adaptations of his own stories. His unique storytelling style and talent for creating captivating worlds have established him as a cherished figure in modern fantasy and speculative fiction. Gaiman is a strong proponent of free expression and emphasizes the value of libraries and literature, appealing to both adult and young adult readers. While his career has been highly esteemed, it has recently faced challenges due to serious legal allegations involving several women, which have affected both his personal and professional life.
