Multiple women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against Neil Gaiman, the author known for works such as “The Sandman” and “Coraline.” A recent cover story in New York Magazine titled “There Is No Safe Word” details their experiences, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing allegations that first surfaced in a Tortoise Media podcast.
In the New York Magazine article reported by Lila Shapiro, eight women shared similar accounts of their interactions with Gaiman, with four of them previously involved in the Tortoise podcast. One such individual, Scarlett Pavlovich, recounted a disturbing encounter that allegedly occurred while she was babysitting Gaiman’s child. She described an incident where Gaiman allegedly joined her in a bathtub, leading to sexual assault. Pavlovich detailed other instances of unwanted sexual advances and degrading treatment, asserting that while she may have engaged in roles Gaiman desired, consent for specific activities had never been established.
The article also included accounts from women like Caroline, who described inappropriate behavior during a caretaking situation. Gaiman’s representatives have claimed that such BDSM-related activities were consensual between adults but have faced scrutiny in light of these new allegations.
Additional accusers have emerged, including Kendra Stout, who claimed Gaiman raped her after she had repeatedly declined his advances, and Katherine Kendall, who accused him of attempting to assault her despite her protests. Both women have reported their cases to the police, adding to the growing number of allegations against the author.
Since the initial accusations were made public, various film and television projects associated with Gaiman have faced repercussions. Disney has paused production on “The Graveyard Book,” and Netflix canceled “Dead Boy Detectives”.
Despite Gaiman’s firm denial of the allegations and insistence on consensual interactions, the impact on his professional endeavors has become evident. His involvement has been notably reduced, with reports indicating that Season 3 of “Good Omens” will conclude differently than initially planned.
The emergence of these allegations highlights ongoing discussions about consent and accountability within the entertainment industry. As conversations continue around the #MeToo movement, the experiences shared by these women could contribute to a broader dialogue regarding power dynamics and the importance of respecting boundaries in professional relationships.