Neil Gaiman breaks silence & claims innocence against numerous sexual abuse allegations

Neil Gaiman and the Sexual Misconduct Allegations: A Detailed Timeline and Overview (as of February 3, 2026)

On February 2, 2026, bestselling author Neil Gaiman issued his most extensive public statement in nearly a year regarding multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. In a post shared on his official Facebook author page, his personal website journal, and Bluesky, Gaiman categorically denied all claims, describing them as “completely and simply untrue” and the product of an effective “smear campaign.” He asserted the existence of “emails, text messages and video evidence that flatly contradict them,” criticized media coverage for prioritizing “outrage and getting clicks on headlines” over evidence, and expressed astonishment that “actual evidence was dismissed or ignored.” He thanked supporters for “your belief in my innocence and your support for my work” and revealed he is close to finishing a major new novel — his biggest project since American Gods.

The statement came amid ongoing fallout from allegations first publicized in July 2024 and significantly expanded in January 2025.

Emergence of the Allegations (2024–2025)

The allegations first gained widespread attention through the Tortoise Media investigative podcast series Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman (July 2024), which featured accounts from two women initially (a former nanny and a fan), later expanding to five women. These described sexual assault and abuse within relationships they characterized as initially consensual but involving coercion and non-consensual acts.

In January 2025, New York Magazine/Vulture published a major investigative piece based on interviews with eight women (four overlapping with the podcast), with reports later citing up to nine accusers. The women, many in their late teens or 20s at the time and often fans or in vulnerable positions (including employees), alleged patterns of sexual assault, coercion, humiliation, and non-consensual BDSM practices. Power imbalances, fame, financial control, and Gaiman’s self-described feminist reputation were central themes.

Key Reported Allegations (Factual Summary from Investigations)

The accounts describe repeated non-consensual sexual acts, often framed by Gaiman as consensual BDSM or kink but lacking negotiation, safe words, aftercare, or respect for boundaries according to the accusers. Specific claims include:

• Scarlett Pavlovich (former live-in nanny for Gaiman and Amanda Palmer’s young son on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, 2022): Alleged repeated violent rape (vaginal and anal), choking, being hit with a belt, forced anal penetration without lubrication (using butter in one instance), forced oral sex involving urine and feces, ejaculation on her face against explicit refusals, and humiliation (demanding she call him “master” or “good little girl”). Incidents allegedly occurred while the child was present or nearby, including fondling and oral sex in shared spaces. Pavlovich alleged coercion through employment, housing, and isolation.
• Other accusers (including Caroline Wallner, Kendra Stout, Katherine Kendall, and additional unnamed women): Allegations of forcible penetration without consent or lubrication causing injury, non-consensual choking/slapping/belting, forced submission (“master” dynamic), unwanted acts during phone sex or in the presence of children, and financial/emotional coercion. One 2007 incident involved penetration despite explicit refusal due to medical risk. Early incidents include a forcible kiss in 1986. Accusers described Gaiman ignoring “no,” panicking responses, or shutdowns, using his wealth, fame, and charismatic persona to create dependency.

Gaiman has consistently maintained that all sexual encounters were fully consensual, emotionally complex but never abusive or non-consensual, and that he was sometimes “emotionally unavailable” or “not as thoughtful” as he should have been. He has denied BDSM acts occurred without consent and rejected claims involving children or extreme violence.

Legal Proceedings

The most prominent civil case was filed in February 2025 by Scarlett Pavlovich in U.S. federal courts (including Wisconsin), alleging rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking (claiming Palmer “knowingly benefited” from exploitation). Gaiman and Palmer denied the claims; Gaiman called Pavlovich a “fantasist” and provided contemporaneous messages. In October 2025, a U.S. District Judge (Western District of Wisconsin) dismissed the case without prejudice on forum non conveniens grounds, ruling that New Zealand was the “more appropriate forum” since the alleged conduct, parties, witnesses, and evidence were centered there. Pavlovich’s team appealed the dismissal; it remains unresolved whether the case will proceed in NZ courts. No criminal charges have resulted in convictions, and UK/NZ police inquiries (opened after reports) have not publicly yielded prosecutions.

Outcry, Industry Response, and Impact on Comics/Literature

Left-leaning and centrist outlets provided extensive coverage: The Guardian, BBC, Vulture/New York Magazine, NPR, LA Times, Variety, and Rolling Stone. In the comics industry, Dark Horse Comics (January 2025) severed ties entirely, canceling upcoming Gaiman projects including the Anansi Boys comic adaptation. Other publishers (e.g., DC Comics reprints) pulled or paused plans.

In literature, J.K. Rowling publicly criticized the literary community’s initially “muted” response, comparing it to early silence around Harvey Weinstein. Fans and creators in fantasy/comics circles expressed profound betrayal; Gaiman’s image as a progressive, feminist ally who championed marginalized voices made the allegations particularly damaging. Widespread discussions emerged on platforms like Reddit about separating the art from the artist, boycotts, and the destruction of long-term fandom trust. Many long-time readers reported feeling their connection to works like The Sandman, American Gods, Coraline, and Good Omens permanently altered.

Impact on Published/Produced Works

Post-allegations (after July 2024), Gaiman’s new original output slowed dramatically. Back-catalog reprints and licensed editions continued in some markets, but:

• Good Omens Season 3 (Prime Video): Reduced to a single 90-minute finale; Gaiman stepped back entirely from production.
• The Sandman Season 2 (Netflix): Production continued with uncertainty; Gaiman distanced himself from promotion.
• Anansi Boys TV series (Prime Video): Reportedly still moving forward (pre-allegations development), but the Dark Horse comic tie-in was canceled.
• The Graveyard Book film (Disney): Paused indefinitely.
• Stage adaptations (e.g., Coraline musical at Leeds Playhouse): Canceled.
• Other projects (e.g., Miracleman: The Silver Age) were largely pre-allegations or completed earlier.

In his February 2026 statement, Gaiman indicated he has resumed writing seriously despite professional isolation and is nearing completion of a major new novel.

Defenses, Supporters, and Backlash

Gaiman has received vocal support from a subset of fans who credit contemporaneous evidence and question the accusers’ timelines or motives. The anonymous Substack TechnoPathology (launched 2025) has aggressively defended him with detailed analyses, arguing investigative bias and claiming some ties to UK TERF movements (Gaiman is outspoken on trans rights). Gaiman linked to this project in his statement. Supporters have faced significant backlash from accusers’ advocates, being labeled denialists or enablers. Amanda Palmer (estranged wife) has largely distanced herself; the couple is divorcing. No public atonement or admissions from Gaiman exist—he maintains total innocence.

As of February 2026, no final criminal resolutions have occurred, civil litigation continues in procedural stages, and Gaiman’s career has contracted sharply in new adaptations while his legacy remains deeply contested. The case continues to fuel broader debates about power, consent, celebrity, and accountability in creative industries.

Key Sources (representative): Guardian (Feb 2026 statement), Vulture/NYM (Jan 2025 investigation), Variety, Tortoise Media Master podcast, court filings (WI District), Dark Horse announcements.

This overview presents reported facts, statements, and documented outcomes without rendering judgment on unresolved claims. Developments are ongoing.