New allegations have emerged against renowned novelist Neil Gaiman, adding to a growing list of accusations from multiple women who claim they were sexually assaulted by the author. A recent report from Vulture details four additional allegations, bringing the total to nearly a dozen accusations against Gaiman, 64, who is best known for works including “The Sandman” and “Good Omens.”
An ongoing six-episode podcast series by the U.K. media outlet Tortoise titled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman,” initially surfaced five allegations over the summer of 2024. Vulture’s investigation parallels these findings, incorporating extensive evidence such as texts, diary entries, and police communications.
The alleged victims vary in age, with the youngest being 18, while the majority were in their 20s at the time of the incidents, which reportedly took place when Gaiman was significantly older. Some of the women were fans of Gaiman, and a few were directly involved in work-related capacities at the time.
In response to the accusations, Gaiman’s representatives have argued that the encounters were consensual and cited practices of BDSM (bondage, discipline/dominance, submission/sadism and masochism).
Among the allegations, one woman, Scarlett Pavlovich, detailed a harrowing experience where she claims Gaiman assaulted her in a bathtub on his property. She spoke about coercive physical interactions and degrading commands throughout various incidents. Another accused, named Kendall, recounted an episode on a tour bus in 2012, while Kendra Stout claimed that her relationship with Gaiman began in 2003 and escalated to physical abuse.
Gaiman and his second wife, Amanda Palmer, divorced in 2022, and reports suggest that Gaiman’s alleged actions may have contributed to their separation. Following the allegations, several of Gaiman’s projects have faced delays or cancellations, including a pause on Disney’s film adaptation of “The Graveyard Book” and a reduction in the planned third season of the Amazon Prime Video series “Good Omens.”
As the situation unfolds, USA TODAY has reached out to Disney and Netflix for further comment regarding their projects involving Gaiman.
In light of these serious allegations, it is vital for individuals to have their voices heard and to seek support when faced with such trauma. Although the allegations are distressing, they have prompted discussions within the industry about accountability and safe environments for all creatives. This emphasis on creating safer spaces can lead to significant changes in the way similar cases are handled in the future.