Multiple women have come forward with serious accusations against Neil Gaiman, the acclaimed author known for his works such as American Gods, The Sandman, and Coraline. Allegations surfaced prominently following reports, including the summer 2024 podcast series titled "Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman." With claims from at least nine women, the accounts detail disturbing patterns of sexual assault and coercion perpetrated by Gaiman, who has maintained his innocence throughout.
Among the most harrowing accounts is the story of Scarlett Pavlovich. She initially met Gaiman when she was hired as a nanny for him and his then-wife, musician Amanda Palmer, at their home in New Zealand. According to Pavlovich, the first alleged incident occurred during what was meant to be a casual interaction. She was invited to take a bath outside; later, the 61-year-old author reportedly joined her naked, leading to unwanted sexual advances. Pavlovich detailed, "He asked if he could [redacted] on my face, and I said ‘no,’ but he did anyway," illustrating the concerning nature of their interactions.
The allegations against Gaiman have only grown more alarming as accounts from other women emerged. Kendra Stout, who has previously spoken out against Gaiman, claimed he coerced her during their relationship, forcing her to engage in rough sexual activities against her will, often ignoring her consensual boundaries. She described one encounter where she was assaulted even when she communicated she was unable to have sex due to her UTI. Such manipulation has been echoed by several other women who spoke to Vulture, outlining experiences characterized by similar coercion.
Notably, allegations of abusive behavior extend beyond Pavlovich and Stout. Several other women — some of whom were also fans of Gaiman's work — report analogous experiences, emphasizing patterns of predatory behavior. This culminated with Amanda Palmer reportedly expressing to Pavlovich, "Fourteen women have come to me about Gaiman’s behavior," indicating the widespread nature of the issue.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is Gaiman's public persona as a supposed feminist ally. Many now grapple with the dissonance between his professional advocacy for women and the serious allegations leveled against him. This dichotomy raises disturbing questions about the intersections of power, consent, and public perception.
Gaiman has firmly denied all allegations against him, asserting through legal representation, "The incidents were consensual and instances of practicing BDSM," highlighting yet another aspect of the controversy surrounding consent and the validity of such claims. His insistence on consent contrasts sharply with the experiences shared by the women, who assert their mistreatment often lay within the exploitative bounds of not just physical sexuality but emotional manipulation.
The backlash against Gaiman has been reflected across several media and production outlets connected to his work. Notable projects, including the anticipated third season of Good Omens, have been paused, with several adaptations transitioning from series formats to one-off specials, as seen with the upcoming Good Omens 90-minute finale. Similarly, Disney has reportedly halted production on the film adaptation of The Graveyard Book.
These serious allegations paint Gaiman's reputation as deeply marred, prompting discussions not just about him but about broader issues concerning consent, accountability, and the often uncomfortable power dynamics inherent within creative industries.
Whether these allegations lead to legal repercussions or substantive changes within the industry remain uncertain. Many accusers like Pavlovich have sought to bring the truth forward through police reports, but initial investigations did not yield significant public accountability. Gaiman's future, as well as the fate of projects bound to his name, are now heavily shrouded by these revelations.
With rising public awareness and conversation surrounding issues of abuse and consent — especially related to high-profile figures — the coming days may prove pivotal not only for Gaiman's career but also for the industry at large as it confronts these systemic issues head-on.