Allegations of assault against acclaimed author Neil Gaiman, 64, surfaced last year, with eight women coming forward. The accusations were first reported in an investigative podcast series by Tortoise Media, hosted by Standard columnist Rachel Johnson. Further investigations were published in Vulture and New York Magazine.
Gaiman has strongly denied all accusations, stating, “I have never engaged in unconsensual sex with anyone. Ever.”
Allegations of Assault and Trafficking
Scarlett Pavlovich filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against musician Amanda Palmer and writer Neil Gaiman, accusing them of human trafficking. The complaint alleges that Palmer “procured and presented” Pavlovich to be sexually abused by Gaiman.
In October 2023, Pavlovich first referred to Gaiman as a “predator” and “despot.” The lawsuit details claims that when she was 22, Palmer befriended her while she was homeless, and promised her a live-in childcare job, but withheld pay. Meanwhile, Gaiman allegedly assaulted her.
Impact on Gaiman’s Career
Gaiman, a best-selling author often compared to JK Rowling, has sold over 50 million books and comics. His works, including Sandman, Good Omens, and Anansi Boys, have been adapted into series by Disney, Amazon, and Netflix. However, following the allegations, platforms and publishers have begun distancing themselves.
