Key Takeaways:

• Scarlett Pavlovich has filed three civil lawsuits against author Neil Gaiman and his wife, Amanda Palmer, alleging repeated sexual assault.
• The lawsuits allege that Gavian's abuse began shortly after Pavlovich was invited to work as a nanny in the couple's home in New Zealand.
• Pavlovich claims both Gaiman and Palmer engaged in human trafficking and seeks substantial damages of at least $7 million.

MADISON, Wis. — A New Zealand woman, Scarlett Pavlovich, has filed multiple civil lawsuits against popular British fantasy author Neil Gaiman and his estranged wife, musician Amanda Palmer, alleging repeated sexual assaults while she worked as their nanny. The lawsuits, filed in federal courts across Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New York, detail disturbing accusations of rape, coercion, and human trafficking.

Pavlovich, now 24, claims she met Palmer in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2020 while she was homeless and living on a beach. Following this meeting, Palmer invited her to the couple's home on Waiheke Island, where Pavlovich began to assist with errands, babysitting, and chores without consistent compensation. Allegations suggest that the sexual assaults by Gaiman began shortly after she started working for the couple in 2022.

The lawsuits assert that Gaiman initially assaulted Pavlovich the very night they met, and this abuse continued despite her reports of the incidents to Palmer. Pavlovich alleges that Palmer informed her of several prior complaints made by other women about Gaiman's behavior, yet did nothing to protect her. According to the legal documents, the repetitive exploitation left her feeling economically held hostage, as she depended on the couple for stability.

Pavlovich alleged that Gaiman referred to her in dehumanizing terms, insisting she call him 'master' and subjecting her to various forms of sexual degradation. The lawsuit highlights that the pair withheld payment to Pavlovich to maintain control, leading her to become increasingly vulnerable.

Seeking at least $7 million in damages, Pavlovich's lawsuit outlines a pattern of behavior she claims is consistent with Gaiman's long history of misconduct, which he has denied through various public statements. Gaiman responded to these allegations, claiming he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual activities, asserting that all past relationships were consensual.

The fallout from these allegations is significant, with Gaiman's publishers and collaborators opting to distance themselves from the author. Notably, Dark Horse Comics announced its plans to cease publishing projects associated with Gaiman, including adaptations of his works like Anansi Boys. Furthermore, major productions of adaptations related to Gaiman's works, such as a planned Disney movie and a musical stage adaptation of Coraline, have been canceled or paused amid the ongoing controversies.

As the situation evolves, both Gaiman and Palmer have yet to make comprehensive public statements regarding the lawsuits. Pavlovich’s claims are part of a broader pattern, as several other women have come forward with similar allegations against Gaiman in recent months.