Author Neil Gaiman has publicly denied allegations of sexual assault and abuse brought forth by multiple women, as detailed in a recent article by New York Magazine. In a statement on his website, Gaiman asserted, “I have never had non-consensual sex with anyone. Ever,” reinforcing his claims of consensual relationships despite the serious accusations. The magazine’s cover story included testimonies from eight women, some of whom had previously shared their allegations in a podcast series from 2019.
The article presented various accusations against Gaiman, including claims that he coerced women into degrading acts and made sexual advances in inappropriate settings. Among the accusers was Scarlett Pavlovich, a former nanny who alleged that Gaiman sexually assaulted her multiple times during her employment starting in February 2022. She reported a particularly disturbing incident involving non-consensual acts that she described in graphic detail. Pavlovich filed a police report against Gaiman in January 2023, which was later characterized by a spokesperson as “resolved.”
Gaiman’s legal representation has vehemently denied the allegations made in the article, labeling them as “false” and “deplorable.” In response to the accusations, Gaiman reflected on his past communications with the women involved, asserting that many of their stories do not align with reality.
One accuser, Kendra Stout, recounted meeting Gaiman in 2003 and described an alleged encounter where he disregarded her explicit refusals. Stout also filed a police report in October 2022 regarding her experiences.
These allegations have impacted Gaiman’s career, leading to the suspension of several film and television projects based on his works, including the adaptation of “The Graveyard Book” by Disney. The situation continues to develop as the community closely observes the unfolding discourse surrounding consent and allegations of abuse in the literary world.