Best-selling British author Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual assault, abuse and coercion by eight women. Gaiman has denied the allegations.
Gaiman, 64, is the author of books like The Sandman comic series, American Gods and Coraline, with many of his works being adapted for film and television.
This week, a New York Magazine article ‘There Is No Safe Word’ written by features writer Lila Shapiro, took a deep dive into the sexual assault allegations against Gaiman. Shapiro spoke with the eight women who shared details of the alleged abuse, which mostly related to occasions when Gaiman was in his 40s or older, living in the United States, Britain and New Zealand.
Many of the allegations against Gaiman involve domineering violence, a feature of BDSM. The women allege that they had not always consented to it beforehand.
One of the accusers, Scarlett Pavlovich, worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his then-wife, US performer Amanda Palmer, on a New Zealand island, where the couple lived with their son in 2022. Speaking with New York Magazine, Pavlovich said Gaiman abused her several times, beginning the night they met. In one instance, Pavlovich alleges Gaiman beat her with his belt before anally raping her.
Pavlovich filed a police report in January 2023, alleging sexual assault against Gaimain, but a spokesperson has said “the matter has been closed”. This week, New Zealand police have issued a statement informing that they can’t say whether Gaiman was, or had been, under investigation.
Allegations against Gaiman, from four of the women, including Pavlovich, first came to light in July last year, in the podcast Master from Tortoise Media.
In a blog post on Wednesday, Gaiman released a statement denying he ever engaged in non-consensual sex.
Gaiman said he had refrained from speaking publicly about the allegations previously “out of respect for the people who were sharing their stories and out of a desire not to draw even more attention to a lot of misinformation.”
“I’ve now reached the point where I feel that I should say something,” he added, noting that he was “obviously careless with people’s hearts”, which he “deeply” regretted.
“I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”
Gaiman said as well that he’s gone through old text messages to the women, years later, realising “that I could have and should have done so much better.”
“It was selfish of me. I was caught up in my own story, and I ignored other people’s.”
Along with his reputation as one of the greatest modern comic-book writers, Gaiman has gained attention for being one of the first to attract a large female readership.
Shapiro has said that it was the contrast between Gaiman’s public persona and the allegations which prompted her to take a deeper look into the story.
“He is someone who spoke specifically to women, who women felt seen by, and who women felt safe with. So I knew immediately there’s this dissonance between who he says he is and these stories.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.