Renowned British author Neil Gaiman, celebrated for literary masterpieces like Good Omens, American Gods, and The Sandman, is again at the center of serious allegations of sexual misconduct. A new exposé by New York Magazine, titled “There Is No Safe Word,” brings forward harrowing testimonies from eight women, detailing coercion, abuse, and assault.
This follows similar allegations revealed last year in Tortoise Media’s podcast series Master, which covered accusations from five women.
Allegations Detailed
One of the accusers, who worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his wife Amanda Palmer, alleges that Gaiman assaulted her in February 2022 in New Zealand. The incidents reportedly occurred in a backyard bathtub and later in a hotel room while his son was nearby.
Her testimony describes unsettling behavior, including Gaiman instructing her to address him as “master.” Other accusers, many in their early 20s at the time of the alleged events, narrate similar disturbing encounters.
- Scarlett Pavlovich, a former babysitter, alleges ongoing sexual misconduct during her time working for the couple. She recounted graphic instances, including being coerced into degrading acts and receiving payments totaling $9,200 after signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
- Another woman, Caroline, describes an incident in which Gaiman allegedly crossed boundaries while his child was present. She was later paid $300,000 after signing an NDA and moving off his property.
- Kendra Stout, who first met Gaiman as a teenager, claims he raped her during a trip years later despite her repeated objections.
The accusers describe a pattern of abuse that blurred the lines of consent and crossed ethical boundaries, with some initially participating in acts under coercion or financial dependence.
J.K. Rowling Speaks Out
Prominent author J.K. Rowling, known for Harry Potter, has publicly criticized the literary community’s silence on the matter. Drawing parallels to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Rowling expressed frustration over the lack of outcry against Gaiman despite the strikingly similar accounts from multiple women.
On X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:
“The literary crowd that had a hell of a lot to say about Harvey Weinstein before he was convicted has been strangely muted in its response to multiple accusations against Neil Gaiman.”
Industry Fallout
Since the allegations surfaced, several of Gaiman’s projects have faced repercussions:
- Prime Video’s “Good Omens” Season 3 will conclude with a single 90-minute episode, with Gaiman excluded from production.
- Disney’s “The Graveyard Book” adaptation is paused.
- Netflix’s “Dead Boy Detectives” was canceled, though it’s unclear if the decision is linked to these accusations.
- However, Netflix’s The Sandman Season 2 and Prime Video’s Anansi Boys series remain in production.
Gaiman’s Response
Gaiman has repeatedly denied all allegations, asserting that his relationships were consensual. In response to the latest accusations, his representatives dismissed them as “false and deplorable.” Despite this, the growing number of accusers and the detailed nature of their accounts paint a troubling picture.
Broader Implications
As the fallout continues, the case against Neil Gaiman underscores ongoing issues of power dynamics, coercion, and accountability in creative industries. With eight accusers coming forward, the literary community and entertainment industry face mounting pressure to address these allegations transparently and ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals in their spheres.