Neil Gaiman, a renowned author known for works like “The Sandman” and “Coraline,” is facing serious allegations of sexual assault from several women. A detailed investigative report in New York Magazine, titled “There Is No Safe Word,” outlines accounts from eight women who claim Gaiman engaged in coercive, abusive, and non-consensual behavior.
These accusations follow earlier reports from Tortoise Media, which published a six-part podcast titled “Master” in July 2024. This podcast featured accounts from five women, some of whom used pseudonyms to protect their identities. The New York Magazine article expands upon these claims, providing further details and incorporating accounts from additional accusers.
One accuser, Scarlett Pavlovich, describes an alleged incident where Gaiman, uninvited, joined her in a garden bathtub while she was babysitting his child and sexually assaulted her. Pavlovich claims this pattern of abuse continued during her employment, including an alleged incident where he attempted to assault her using butter as lubricant. She also alleges that Gaiman engaged in sexual activity with her in a hotel room while his child was present.
Gaiman has vehemently denied all allegations, stating all interactions were consensual. His representatives have pointed to instances where Pavlovich allegedly confirmed the consensual nature of their relationship and highlight that she signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and received a $9,200 payment. Despite this, Pavlovich filed a police report in January 2023, though the investigation has since been closed.
Other accusers, including Caroline, a former caretaker on Gaiman’s property, allege inappropriate touching. Caroline also signed an NDA and received a $300,000 settlement. Accusations from Kendra Stout and Katherine Kendall include rape and harassment spanning decades.
The fallout from these allegations has impacted Gaiman’s career. Several projects have faced delays or cancellations, but some productions, such as the second season of Netflix’s “The Sandman” and Prime Video’s “Anansi Boys,” are continuing.
Gaiman’s representatives continue to deny all allegations of non-consensual behavior. However, the women maintain that the lack of boundaries and coercive nature of these encounters fundamentally violated the principles of consent.