Neil Gaiman, the acclaimed author known for works such as The Sandman and American Gods, has publicly denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by multiple women in an article published by New York Magazine. Gaiman, 64, stated that he has "never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever," as he responded to the claims, which include serious accusations from eight women, four of whom had previously come forward earlier in the year.

These allegations range from coercion to outright sexual assault. They resurfaced following a detailed report released this week and are further rooted in accounts from a podcast by Tortoise Media, highlighting troubling interactions between Gaiman and accusers.

One notable accuser, Scarlett Pavlovich, who worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his ex-wife Amanda Palmer, alleged that Gaiman coerced her into compromising situations, including incidents in which he was naked in a bathtub with her and demanded she call him "master." The Guardian reports that Pavlovich filed a police report in January 2023, but the investigation was eventually dropped.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Gaiman maintains his innocence, expressing in a recent blog post titled "Breaking The Silence" that he has "watched stories circulating the internet about me with horror and dismay.” He emphasized that his relationships with the women involved were consensual, stating, “I could have and should have done so much better,” but firmly rejected the notion of any abuse occurring.

This controversy has drawn significant attention within the literary community, leading to criticism from fellow authors including J.K. Rowling and others who have publicly condemned Gaiman’s behavior. Many in the literary world have questioned the absence of a strong industry response compared to past uprisings against other alleged abusers in the entertainment industry.

As the accusations have mounted, various film and television projects linked to Gaiman have faced severe repercussions, with production halts reported for titles such as The Graveyard Book and adaptations for Netflix. Sources indicate that these moves are linked to the emerging allegations against him.

Gaiman's situation continues to evolve as more details come to light, and while he has offered transparency regarding the past interactions, the wider implications of these allegations on his professional future and the literary community remain uncertain. For further developments and perspectives on this unfolding story, check the full coverage on USA Today and BBC.