Award
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Surface Against Renowned Author Neil Gaiman
2025-01-13

A series of serious allegations have emerged against acclaimed fantasy author Neil Gaiman, known for works such as "The Sandman" and "Good Omens." In a recent exposé published by Vulture on January 13, several women came forward with disturbing accounts of sexual misconduct involving the 64-year-old writer. These accusations span various incidents over the years, painting a troubling picture of Gaiman's behavior towards multiple individuals. Among the accusers is Scarlett Pavlovich, who previously worked as a babysitter for Gaiman and his then-partner Amanda Palmer in New Zealand. Other women, including Caroline and Katherine Kendall, have also shared their experiences, alleging inappropriate conduct and boundary violations. The impact of these revelations has led to significant changes in Gaiman's professional life, including stepping back from major projects.

Pavlovich recounted her experiences during her time at Gaiman’s Waiheke Island residence. While babysitting Gaiman's son, she alleged that Gaiman made advances on her when they were alone in the house. According to Pavlovich, Gaiman suggested she take a bath and subsequently joined her in the bathtub, leading to a series of unwanted and inappropriate actions. She emphasized that she repeatedly expressed discomfort, but Gaiman persisted. The situation escalated further, with Pavlovich claiming that Gaiman continued to violate her boundaries over the course of her employment, including incidents involving the child and other uncomfortable encounters. This pattern of behavior reportedly left lasting emotional scars on Pavlovich.

Caroline, another individual who lived and worked at Gaiman’s Woodstock home, described a similarly distressing experience. After her husband moved out, Caroline developed a physical relationship with Gaiman, which included instances of phone sex. One evening, while reading to Gaiman’s young son, Caroline alleged that Gaiman entered the bed where both she and the child were sleeping, placing her hand on his body without consent. Caroline noted that Gaiman frequently disregarded personal boundaries, leaving her feeling uneasy and disturbed by his actions.

Katherine Kendall, who met Gaiman in 2012 when she was 22, shared an account of an incident on Gaiman’s tour bus. She claimed that Gaiman attempted to engage in sexual activity with her, leading to a traumatic experience. Following this, Gaiman reportedly offered her $60,000 for therapy and to compensate for the harm caused. Another accuser, Kendra Stout, who met Gaiman at a book signing at the age of 18, alleged that she was raped by the author in 2007. These accounts highlight a recurring pattern of behavior that has deeply affected multiple women.

The fallout from these allegations has been significant. Gaiman has since stepped away from production duties on the third season of Prime Video’s adaptation of "Good Omens," a move that underscores the gravity of the situation. Despite the numerous claims, Gaiman has consistently denied all accusations since 2023. However, the impact on his career and reputation remains profound, raising important questions about accountability and justice for the accusers. The case also highlights the broader issues surrounding sexual misconduct and the challenges faced by victims in seeking redress.

more stories
See more