Four new sexual assault allegations have emerged against renowned novelist Neil Gaiman, adding to a growing list of accusations from multiple women. Vulture reported these allegations on Monday, highlighting incidents that coincide with claims first raised in the past year. Gaiman, age 64, is a celebrated author known for his works like “The Sandman,” “Good Omens,” “American Gods,” and “Coraline,” which have all been adapted into various films and television shows.
The U.K. media outlet Tortoise previously released a six-episode podcast titled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman,” which detailed five accounts of sexual assault. Now, Vulture’s investigation has uncovered four additional allegations that share similarities with those detailed in the podcast. The outlet claims to have reviewed various forms of evidence, including texts, emails, diary entries, and police records.
The most vulnerable alleged victim was 18 at the time, but most women were in their 20s during the supposed incidents, while Gaiman was significantly older, with one instance dating back to 1986 during his mid-20s. A number of these women were fans of Gaiman’s work, and some were employed by him in different capacities.
In response to the allegations, Gaiman’s representatives have asserted that the interactions were consensual and described by him as examples of BDSM practices.
One of the women, Scarlett Pavlovich, described an incident that allegedly took place in 2022 when she was working as a nanny for Gaiman’s then-estranged wife, Amanda Palmer. Pavlovich alleged that Gaiman assaulted her in a bathtub, forcibly commanding her to refer to him as “master.” She also recounted subsequent incidents of sexual violence, which she described as degrading and painful.
Another accuser, named Kendall, spoke about a 2012 incident where she alleges Gaiman forced himself on her on a tour bus. Kendra Stout, who claims to have had a long-term relationship with Gaiman beginning in 2003, explained that this relationship turned abusive, including one instance where her medical condition was dismissed by him during a sexual encounter.
Further insight was provided by friends of Palmer, who discussed the dynamics of her relationship with Gaiman, suggesting that their marriage was affected by his alleged actions. A woman pseudonymously named Rachel described her own fearful experiences with Gaiman shortly after being introduced to him by Palmer.
The fallout from these allegations has already impacted Gaiman’s career, with reports noting that some projects associated with him have been paused or scaled back. For example, Disney has reportedly halted its adaptation of “The Graveyard Book,” and the Amazon Prime Video series “Good Omens” is set to conclude with a single movie episode, rather than an entire third season. The situation surrounding the Netflix adaptation of “The Sandman” remains unclear.
As the media’s focus sharpens on these allegations, the cultural landscape surrounding accusations of sexual misconduct continues to evolve. The hope is that such revelations will encourage more awareness and dialogue around consent and abusive behavior, fostering a safer creative environment for artists and audiences alike.
This article serves to keep the public informed on recent developments in a serious matter that has drawn significant attention and concern within the literary and entertainment communities.