By Kyle Cassidy
New accusations have surfaced, adding to nearly a dozen claims from women who allege that award-winning novelist Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted them. On Monday, Vulture published a report outlining these latest allegations against Gaiman, which build on claims that emerged last year.
The 64-year-old English fantasy writer is celebrated for his works like “The Sandman,” “Good Omens,” “American Gods,” and “Coraline,” all of which have been adapted into films and TV shows. A six-part podcast series from the U.K. media outlet Tortoise, titled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman,” is scheduled to debut in summer 2024 and initially presented five claims of sexual assault. Vulture’s investigation has revealed four more allegations that bear similarities to those previously disclosed, and the outlet asserts it has reviewed texts, diary entries, emails with friends, and police communications
Among the alleged victims, the youngest was 18 years old, with most of the women being in their 20s at the time of the reported incidents, during which Gaiman was in his 40s or older. Notably, one claim comes from a woman who alleges that Gaiman forcibly kissed her in 1986, when he was in his mid-20s. Several of the women were fans, and a few were professional colleagues of Gaiman during the relevant timeframe. Gaiman’s representatives have responded to multiple media inquiries, asserting that the encounters were consensual and included BDSM elements
Scarlett Pavlovich recounted her experience as a nanny for Amanda Palmer, who was Gaiman’s estranged second wife, beginning in 2022. She accused Gaiman of assaulting her in a bathtub on his property after he unexpectedly joined her.
During this incident, he initiated a conversation before physically attacking her and demanded that she address him as “master.” As Pavlovich continued her childcare responsibilities, she detailed additional alleged instances of non-consensual sexual acts, claiming that there was a moment when she lost consciousness due to the pain and was compelled to ingest her own waste, all while being referred to as a “slave.” Another individual, Kendall, shared an account from 2012 in which Gaiman purportedly forced himself upon her and kissed her while they were on a tour bus.
Vulture also contacted acquaintances of Gaiman’s second wife, who is now his former spouse, and they asserted that the couple maintained an open relationship. A woman, who identified herself as Rachel, reportedly initiated a relationship with Palmer prior to being introduced to Gaiman by her.
While Rachel indicated that there was never a definitive breach of consent, she conveyed to Vulture that her interactions with Gaiman included demands that frequently left her feeling frightened or distressed. Gaiman and Palmer concluded their divorce in 2022. According to Vulture’s investigations and discussions with her friends, it appears that Gaiman’s conduct contributed to the divorce, although Palmer seemed to be cognizant of certain incidents when she requested Pavlovich to care for her son.
According to Vulture, the writer did not pursue the suggested course of action. Since last summer, various projects associated with Gaiman have reportedly been placed on hold or diminished in scale. IndieWire noted in September 2024 that Disney had suspended its film adaptation of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book.” Additionally, in October, it was disclosed that the Amazon Prime Video series “Good Omens” would conclude with a 90-minute television film instead of a full third season, a decision later validated by Amazon MGM Studios. Netflix has yet to provide any updates concerning 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, which involve accusations from multiple women over several decades, have raised serious concerns about his behavior. While Gaiman’s representatives maintain that the encounters were consensual, the escalating legal and professional ramifications suggest a significant impact on his career. His projects have been postponed, leaving his professional future in doubt.
