In Image Neil Gaiman at Writers Guild Awards event. Getty Images
Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman, known for works such as The Sandman and Coraline, has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women, according to a recent cover story in New York Magazine. The detailed report builds upon earlier allegations brought to light by Tortoise Media in July, which included a six-part podcast titled Master that discussed claims from five women.
The New York Magazine piece, titled “There Is No Safe Word,” features accounts from eight women, four of whom had previously participated in the Tortoise podcast. Among them is Scarlett Pavlovich, who detailed her alleged experiences with Gaiman, including incidents that occurred while she worked as a babysitter for his family. Pavlovich alleged that during their first meeting, Gaiman joined her in a garden tub without her consent and sexually assaulted her. She described multiple other incidents, claiming he used demeaning language and engaged in non-consensual acts over an extended period.
Pavlovich also alleged that Gaiman once had sex with her in a hotel room while his child was present. Despite these claims, Pavlovich remained in contact with Gaiman and later signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in exchange for financial compensation. She filed a police report in January 2023, but authorities have since closed the case.
Another accuser, identified as Caroline, worked on Gaiman’s property in Woodstock, N.Y., and described a physical relationship that began under troubling circumstances. Caroline claimed that Gaiman crossed boundaries, including an incident where he allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior while his child was in the same bed. Caroline later signed an NDA and received a significant settlement, though Gaiman’s representatives denied any misconduct involving his child.
Additional allegations came from Kendra Stout, who claimed Gaiman raped her during a trip in 2007, and Katherine Kendall, who accused him of attempting to assault her in 2012. Kendall reported that Gaiman later provided her with $60,000 for therapy to address the emotional harm caused.
Gaiman has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that all interactions were consensual. His representatives stated that some accusers had continued to engage with him willingly and noted that BDSM practices, while not universally accepted, are lawful when consensual. However, the women allege that boundaries and consent were not properly established.
The allegations have reportedly impacted Gaiman’s professional projects. Season 3 of Good Omens on Prime Video has been shortened, and Disney paused production on its adaptation of The Graveyard Book. Netflix canceled Dead Boy Detectives, though it remains unclear if the cancellation was linked to the allegations. Despite these setbacks, The Sandman Season 2 and Prime Video’s Anansi Boys are still expected to release as planned.
Gaiman’s representatives have not responded to requests for further comment on the latest allegations.
