New allegations have emerged against acclaimed novelist Neil Gaiman, as a recent report reveals additional claims of sexual assault from women who allege they were victims of the writer’s misconduct. This follows previous allegations that surfaced last year, bringing the total to nearly a dozen.
According to a report released by Vulture, four new accusations add to the five detailed in a podcast series titled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman,” produced by U.K. media outlet Tortoise. The new allegations involve serious incidents, with the youngest alleged victim being 18 years old at the time of the assaults. Most of the women were in their 20s, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older during the alleged encounters. Notably, some of the women involved were fans or colleagues of Gaiman.
Gaiman’s representatives have previously stated that the alleged incidents were consensual and related to BDSM practices. However, individual accounts from victims describe traumatic experiences. For example, one woman, Scarlett Pavlovich, outlined allegations of being assaulted while serving as a nanny on Gaiman’s property. Another woman, Kendall, shared experiences from a 2012 incident where she claims Gaiman assaulted her on a tour bus. Other accounts mentioned disturbing behaviors that extended over several years.
In light of these allegations, the repercussions for Gaiman’s professional projects are significant. Reports indicate that several adaptations of his works have been delayed or restructured, including Disney’s adaptation of “The Graveyard Book” and Amazon Prime’s “Good Omens,” which will now conclude with a single 90-minute episode instead of continuing for a full third season.
The claims against Gaiman have raised concerns about boundaries and consent, and they appear to have affected his personal relationships as well, contributing to his divorce from Amanda Palmer in 2022. Palmer reportedly had some prior knowledge of the incidents.
This situation underscores the importance of addressing sexual violence and misconduct in all spheres, including the often glamorized environment of the creative arts. For anyone affected, resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline provide critical support.
In summary, while Neil Gaiman’s literary contributions have been significant, the serious nature of these allegations cannot be ignored, prompting a broader conversation about accountability and respect in all relationships within creative industries.