
Warning: This article contains graphic details about sexual assault.
Author Neil Gaiman, known for his works The Sandman, American Gods, Good Omens, and Coraline, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault from nine women. These allegations include four new claims, as detailed in a recent report by Vulture.
The accusations span decades and involve women who were primarily in their 20s at the time of the alleged incidents, with one exception dating back to 1986. Some of the women were reportedly fans, while others worked with Gaiman during the time of the alleged assaults.
In 2024, the UK-based outlet Tortoise released a six-episode podcast, Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman, which first detailed five allegations of sexual assault. Vulture’s report expands on these claims, incorporating additional allegations supported by diary entries, emails, and police communications.
One of the accusers, Scarlett Pavlovich, alleges disturbing behavior by Gaiman during her time as a nanny for his children, claiming incidents of coercion and unwanted sexual advances. Other accusers have shared similar accounts of abusive encounters, including claims of rough and non-consensual sexual acts.
She recalls meeting Gaiman in New Zealand after befriending his now ex-wife Amanda Palmer and becoming their children’s nanny. Pavlovich’s first meeting with the writer is said to have concluded with him convincing her to bathe in the claw bathtub in his garden while he made a work call.
Pavlovich alleges Gaimen joined her and allegedly assaulted her, “I said ‘no’ but he did anyway. He said, ‘Call me ‘master. Be a good girl. You’re a good little girl.'”
Pavlovich accusations also include Gaiman forcing her to have oral sex claiming that she vomited on him. Then he told her to eat the vomit off his lap and lick it up from the couch.”
Actress Kendra Stout claims Gaiman coerced her into rough sex and beat her with a belt. “It’s the only way I can get off.” Stout has also accused him of raping her after she refused to have sex with him while dealing with a nasty UTI.
Gaiman’s representatives have responded to some outlets, asserting that the interactions in question were consensual and part of BDSM practices.
Netflix, which is producing The Sandman Season 2, has stated that the release remains scheduled for later this year. The allegations have sparked widespread discussion about the responsibilities of public figures and the culture surrounding fandom and celebrity.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, support is available. Contact RAINN at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit their website for confidential assistance.
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