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 detailed report in New York Magazine recounts the experiences of eight women, building on earlier revelations by Tortoise Media that highlighted cases from five women. This cover story, titled “There Is No Safe Word,” marks the first significant corroboration of these allegations by a major publication.
The article features firsthand accounts, including that of Scarlett Pavlovich, who described an encounter with Gaiman that escalated to sexual assault during her time babysitting for him and his then-wife, Amanda Palmer. Pavlovich recounts multiple instances of alleged inappropriate behavior, which she characterized as escalating into sexual degradation.
Gaiman’s representatives have consistently denied the accusations, framing the sexual encounters as consensual. They assert that while BDSM practices may not be to everyone’s taste, they are lawful between consenting adults; however, the women allege that clear consent was often lacking prior to these incidents.
Another accuser, identified as Caroline, shared her story of unwanted advances while babysitting Gaiman’s child. She mentioned a disturbing incident involving them in bed with the child, which reinforced her perceptions of his boundary issues. After her experiences, she was offered compensation by Gaiman’s business manager to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The accusations do not stop there; Kendra Stout alleges she was raped by Gaiman after a book signing, despite her expressing clear refusal due to health issues. Katherine Kendall also alleged an attempted assault during their interactions on his tour bus.
In the wake of these serious allegations, production on some of Gaiman’s projects has been affected. Disney halted the adaptation of “The Graveyard Book,” while production for Netflix’s “Dead Boy Detectives” was cancelled altogether. However, anticipation for the release of “The Sandman” Season 2 still remains high, with fans hoping to see the continuation of this acclaimed series later this year.
As the situation unfolds, it emphasizes the importance of addressing and acknowledging past misconduct in the entertainment industry, offering a lesson on the need for clearer consent and communication in all forms of personal and professional interactions. The voices of these women, along with the heightened awareness surrounding such allegations, may help foster a culture of accountability and respect moving forward.