Neil Gaiman, the renowned British author and screenwriter behind bestselling works like Good Omens, American Gods, and The Sandman, is once again at the center of controversy. Fresh allegations of sexual misconduct and assault have emerged, adding to previous claims made in 2024. The latest accusations were revealed in an article by New York Magazine titled “There Is No Safe Word,” where eight women have come forward with disturbing accounts of abuse, coercion, and sexual assault.
The New Allegations
The most prominent of the new allegations involves a woman who worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his second wife, musician Amanda Palmer. According to this accuser, she was sexually assaulted by Gaiman in New Zealand in February 2022. The woman claims the assault took place in a garden bathtub, where Gaiman allegedly told her to call him “master” during the encounter. Additionally, she describes an incident in which Gaiman allegedly assaulted her in a hotel room while his child was in the same room, distracted with an iPad.
These new accusations are part of a pattern of similar claims, with many of the accusers being in their twenties at the time of the alleged incidents. Gaiman, who was in his forties or older at the time, is accused of using his position of power to exploit younger women. The details of the allegations paint a troubling picture of coercion and manipulation, with the women describing how Gaiman allegedly pressured them into uncomfortable and degrading situations.
Previous Allegations
This is not the first time that Gaiman has faced allegations of sexual misconduct. In July 2024, five women came forward with accusations against the author in a six-part podcast series titled Master, produced by Tortoise Media. One of these women, Scarlett Pavlovich, had been employed as a babysitter for Gaiman and Palmer. Pavlovich alleges that Gaiman made sexual advances toward her, including encouraging her to take a bath in his garden tub and later joining her in the bath, where he allegedly insisted she call him “master.”
Pavlovich also claims that Gaiman attempted to coerce her into sexual acts, and when she refused, he allegedly reacted aggressively. She reported the incident to the police and reached out to Amanda Palmer for support. However, the case was not pursued further. Pavlovich later signed a non-disclosure agreement and reportedly received $9,200 over several months, though details remain unclear.
In response to the allegations from 2024, Gaiman denied the accusations, suggesting that Pavlovich had a health condition that led to “false memories.” He has similarly denied the newer accusations, which continue to mount as more women come forward with their stories.
Public Response and J.K. Rowling’s Comments
The resurfacing of these allegations has sparked a strong reaction from the public, including from other notable authors. J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of Harry Potter, voiced her concerns on social media about the lack of vocal response from the literary community. Rowling compared the public’s muted reaction to the allegations against Gaiman with the widespread condemnation of Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood producer convicted of sexual assault.
Rowling wrote on social media: “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 from young women who’d never met, yet – as with Weinstein – tell remarkably similar stories.”
Her comments raise significant questions about the disparity in how accusations against powerful men are handled. Weinstein’s case sparked widespread outrage and legal consequences, but the same level of public condemnation has not been seen in the Gaiman case, leading many to question the response from the literary community and beyond.
The Impact on Gaiman’s Career
As the allegations against Neil Gaiman continue to unfold, there is no doubt that they have had an impact on his professional reputation. Gaiman is a widely respected figure, not only for his novels but also for his work in comic books and television adaptations. The Sandman, American Gods, and Good Omens have all been turned into highly successful TV series, earning Gaiman a significant fan base across multiple platforms.
Despite the allegations, Gaiman’s supporters continue to defend him, often pointing to his significant body of work as evidence of his character. However, for many, the accusations cannot be so easily separated from his artistic legacy. As the number of accusers continues to grow, questions about Gaiman’s actions and their potential to influence his career are becoming more prominent.
There is a growing sense of discomfort surrounding the idea of separating the art from the artist. Gaiman’s immense popularity and cultural influence have not shielded him from scrutiny, and the allegations against him may shape the way future generations view his works.
Allegations in Context: Power and Abuse
What remains most troubling about the allegations is the power imbalance that Gaiman allegedly exploited. Many of the women who have accused him of misconduct were in their twenties at the time, while Gaiman was much older, often in his forties. The fact that these women were young, and in some cases, employed in positions where they were directly under his influence, raises significant concerns about coercion and manipulation.
The age difference and the power dynamics at play in these allegations reflect a broader issue in both the literary and entertainment industries—one that speaks to the systemic nature of sexual harassment and abuse. Gaiman, who has been a major figure in literature for decades, is accused of using his celebrity status and influence to manipulate vulnerable individuals.
These accusations further complicate the discussion around sexual misconduct, particularly when it comes to highly influential public figures. The case highlights the intersection between fame, power, and the exploitation of individuals in vulnerable positions, a pattern that has been seen in many other industries, from Hollywood to the literary world.
Legal and Public Repercussions
At present, there have been no criminal charges brought against Neil Gaiman, and he continues to deny all accusations. However, the sheer number of women who have come forward, as well as the consistency in their stories, has made it impossible to ignore the gravity of the situation. As the legal process continues, the public’s view of Gaiman is likely to evolve, and the literary community will face increasing pressure to respond to these claims.
While Gaiman remains one of the most successful and respected authors in modern literature, these allegations have cast a shadow over his legacy. His future in the literary world, particularly in terms of public reception and professional opportunities, will depend largely on the outcome of any legal proceedings and how the broader literary and entertainment communities choose to address the issue.
In the meantime, the allegations against Gaiman serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding power, fame, and accountability in the world of literature and beyond. Whether Gaiman’s career will weather this storm remains to be seen, but the revelations have certainly sparked a broader conversation about abuse, consent, and responsibility in the arts.