Neil Gaiman faces lawsuit over sexual assault allegations

Bestselling author Neil Gaiman and estranged wife Amanda Palmer named in lawsuit as sexual assault allegations result in career setbacks.

Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman attend the press night after party for "Fleabag" at The Century Club on August 28, 2019, in London, England. Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Adila Ghina

Neil Gaiman, the internationally renowned author of works like American Gods and Good Omens, is currently facing a lawsuit that claims he sexually assaulted New Zealand native Scarlett Pavlovich multiple times. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Monday, and it also implicates his estranged wife, musician and writer Amanda Palmer. Pavlovich alleges that Palmer was complicit in Gaiman’s actions, playing a role in what the suit refers to as a "trap" that left her "vulnerable, penniless, and coerced."

The allegations have already taken a toll on Gaiman’s career, with multiple publishers, studios, and entertainment companies severing ties with him in response to the accusations. The lawsuit details events from the time Pavlovich worked for Gaiman and Palmer, when she was employed as a nanny and caregiver for the couple’s child. According to the legal documents, Gaiman’s behavior escalated over time, leading to multiple sexual assaults and a deepening power imbalance in their relationship.

Pavlovich’s account of the abuse

The lawsuit recounts an encounter on February 4, 2022, when Pavlovich arrived at Gaiman’s home to look after the couple’s son. Pavlovich, who had been living a nomadic lifestyle at the time, had met Palmer in New Zealand two years prior. At 22, she was homeless, and her interactions with the couple initially involved running errands and occasionally babysitting their son.

According to the lawsuit, Pavlovich was invited to Gaiman’s home on the evening of February 4, 2022. After an hour of caring for the child, Gaiman took him to a friend’s house, leaving Pavlovich alone in the home. At that point, the lawsuit alleges, Gaiman invited Pavlovich to dinner. After the meal, he allegedly encouraged her to take a bath while he made a phone call.

However, the lawsuit claims that Gaiman returned to the bathroom unannounced and naked, where he proceeded to assault Pavlovich. The suit states that there was no legitimate work reason for Gaiman to have entered the bathroom. Pavlovich allegedly told Gaiman "no" during the assault, but the lawsuit claims he proceeded despite her objections.

Pavlovich later filed a police report regarding the incident, but the authorities reportedly informed her that there was not enough evidence to pursue charges.

Ongoing abuse and coercion

The lawsuit further claims that after the incident, Palmer offered Pavlovich a job as a live-in nanny for the couple’s child. She was promised payment for her work and assistance from Gaiman in promoting her writing career. However, according to the lawsuit, Pavlovich was never compensated for her work, and Gaiman continued to sexually assault her during her employment.

The suit paints a picture of Pavlovich as an "economic hostage" to Gaiman and Palmer, unable to escape her situation because of her financial dependence on them. Gaiman allegedly referred to Pavlovich as his "slave" and demanded that she address him as "master." These actions, according to the lawsuit, resulted in Pavlovich’s complete isolation and manipulation.

The suit claims that Pavlovich clearly expressed that she was not consenting to the sexual encounters and that during one particular assault, she screamed "I can’t" and "no" as Gaiman proceeded with the assault.

The role of Amanda Palmer

In addition to accusing Gaiman of the sexual assaults, Pavlovich’s lawsuit also names Amanda Palmer as a defendant. The lawsuit argues that Palmer was fully aware of the situation and that her actions contributed to Pavlovich’s vulnerability. Palmer is accused of "procuring and presenting" Pavlovich to Gaiman and subsequently trapping her in a situation where she had no financial independence and limited options for escape.

The legal documents suggest that Palmer knew about Gaiman’s behavior and even placed Pavlovich in a position of dependency, which exacerbated the control Gaiman allegedly had over her. According to the lawsuit, Palmer failed to intervene or offer any support during the abuse, which left Pavlovich with little recourse for her situation.

Gaiman’s response to the allegations

In response to the lawsuit, Neil Gaiman has categorically denied the allegations. He released a statement last month saying, "I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever." Gaiman’s legal team has yet to provide additional comments regarding the lawsuit.

Since the allegations first came to light in a New York magazine article and a podcast last summer, Gaiman’s career has faced significant setbacks. Several of his major projects, including TV shows and film adaptations of his works, have been impacted by the accusations.

Career consequences and project cancellations

In light of the serious allegations against Gaiman, several high-profile projects he was involved with have been delayed or canceled altogether. Prime Video, which had planned a third and final season of Good Omens — a series based on the book Gaiman co-wrote with the late Terry Pratchett — announced that the show would be curtailed. The cancellation has cast doubt on the future of the series, which had previously been well-received.

Additionally, Disney has suspended production of a film based on one of Gaiman’s novels, further isolating the author from the entertainment industry. It is unclear whether these projects will continue with a new creative team or if they will be scrapped entirely.

Most recently, the comic book company that publishes Gaiman’s Anansi Boys series announced that it would be severing ties with the author. The publisher stated it would no longer work with him and would halt the publication of his graphic novels. The decision is a significant blow to Gaiman’s influence in the comics industry, where he has been a well-respected figure for years.

While these cancellations have raised questions about Gaiman’s professional future, they also highlight the increasing accountability faced by individuals accused of sexual misconduct in the #MeToo era. The allegations against Gaiman are part of a broader reckoning in the entertainment industry, where several prominent figures have been publicly accused of abuse and harassment.

The legal landscape and future of the case

As the lawsuit against Gaiman continues to unfold, the legal ramifications for the author and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer, remain uncertain. The case is likely to draw further attention from the media and the public, especially given the high profile of the individuals involved.

In addition to the ongoing court proceedings, the broader cultural and societal implications of the case will likely continue to spark debates about power dynamics, consent, and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry.

The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in recent years, has been instrumental in bringing cases of sexual harassment and abuse to light. The lawsuit against Gaiman adds to the growing list of high-profile figures facing allegations, demonstrating that even powerful individuals are not immune from scrutiny and accountability.

As for Scarlett Pavlovich, the lawsuit represents a significant step in her pursuit of justice. While it remains to be seen how the case will unfold, it has already placed a spotlight on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual abuse and the difficulties they face when attempting to hold powerful figures accountable.

For Neil Gaiman, the impact of the allegations on his career is already apparent. Whether the lawsuit results in legal action or further professional consequences, Gaiman’s reputation has undoubtedly been tarnished. In the coming months, the entertainment industry and the public will be watching closely as the case progresses and its fallout continues to unfold.

Industry response

While Gaiman’s personal and professional life continues to be embroiled in legal and media scrutiny, the case highlights broader issues within the entertainment industry. Both Gaiman’s and Palmer’s actions have been criticized by those who support Pavlovich’s claims, with many pointing to the power imbalance and coercive tactics allegedly used by the couple.

Industry insiders are paying close attention to how the case will impact the broader cultural landscape, especially given the increasing pressure on media outlets and studios to take strong stances on allegations of abuse. The case could set a significant precedent in terms of how allegations against high-profile figures are handled in the future, especially in the age of social media and public accountability.

As the legal proceedings continue, the larger question of accountability for individuals in positions of power — and the support for victims of abuse — remains a key issue.