Renowned author Neil Gaiman, best known for creating The Sandman, is now facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct, human trafficking, and rape. The lawsuit, which has been filed in three states—Wisconsin, New York, and Massachusetts—comes from Scarlett Pavlovich, a former nanny for Gaiman and musician Amanda Palmer’s son. The shocking claims allege that Palmer played a role in facilitating the abuse, making this case even more distressing.
The lawsuit, filed in a Wisconsin federal court, states: “This claim arises out of Defendant Neil Gaiman's sexual abuse of Plaintiff, and his wife Amanda Palmer's role in procuring and presenting Plaintiff to Gaiman for such abuse.” The 28-page complaint details a disturbing history of alleged misconduct, including a sodomy rape incident from just three years ago. Pavlovich is seeking a minimum of $1 million in damages and a jury trial.
These allegations align with the explosive New York Magazine piece titled There Is No Safe Word by Lila Shapiro, published earlier this year. That article, which was based on deep investigative research, included allegations from Pavlovich and seven other women against Gaiman. It also referenced Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman, a six-part podcast by Tortoise Media that aired last summer, further amplifying the controversy.
Gaiman, for his part, has denied all accusations. In a January 14 blog post following the New York Magazine article, he stated: “As I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don't accept there was any abuse. To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.” However, these denials haven’t stopped the professional fallout that continues to follow him.
His career has taken a serious hit as these allegations gained traction. Once a highly respected figure in the literary and entertainment industries, Gaiman has now been dropped by his UK agency, Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. As my colleague Jake Kanter exclusively reported last week, he is no longer represented by CAA either. The repercussions don’t stop there—Anansi Boys publisher Dark Horse Comics has severed ties with the once-revered writer, and a planned UK stage production of Coraline was abruptly canceled at the end of January.
The scandal has also had a major impact on his television projects. Amazon Prime Video has significantly scaled back Good Omens Season 3, reducing it to a single 90-minute episode. Disney has halted production on its adaptation of The Graveyard Book, and Netflix recently announced that The Sandman will end after its upcoming second season, canceling plans for a third installment.
Adding more complexity to this case is the involvement of Amanda Palmer. The co-founder of Dresden Dolls, Palmer publicly announced her separation from Gaiman during the pandemic when she and their son were locked down in New Zealand. In November 2022, she confirmed their divorce after more than a decade of marriage. As the allegations against Gaiman mounted, Palmer has remained relatively silent, though she did post a cryptic message on Instagram three weeks ago, hinting at personal turmoil.
The lawsuits filed in multiple states also raise questions about jurisdiction. Pavlovich and her attorneys argue that Palmer played an active role in placing her in a vulnerable position, knowing full well the risks involved.
“Palmer was sufficiently aware that Gaiman was likely to target Scarlett that she warned Gaiman to stay away from Scarlett before she brought Scarlett to Gaiman's house as a babysitter,” the filings in New York and Massachusetts assert. “Yet Palmer never warned Scarlett of the known danger posed by Gaiman. Had Palmer warned Scarlett of the known danger posed by Gaiman, Scarlett would never have agreed to babysit Palmer's child at Gaiman's house.”
In legal terms, the multi-state filing strategy revolves around residency issues. The lawsuit explains: “Upon information and belief, jurisdiction over Palmer is appropriate in either New York or Massachusetts, and Palmer may consent to jurisdiction in Wisconsin. Given the uncertainty regarding Palmer's state of residence, Plaintiff is simultaneously filing actions against Palmer in the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York and the District of Massachusetts and will proceed against Palmer only in the district of her choosing.”
The allegations against Gaiman and Palmer have sent shockwaves through the entertainment and literary worlds. Fans who once admired Gaiman’s storytelling prowess are now grappling with the gravity of these accusations. Meanwhile, industry professionals continue to distance themselves from him, making it clear that these claims are being taken very seriously.
While Gaiman insists on his innocence, the lawsuit will determine the final outcome. The public will be watching closely as the legal battle unfolds, waiting to see what evidence is brought forward and how both Gaiman and Palmer respond under legal scrutiny. One thing is certain—the once-beloved storyteller is now at the center of a real-life drama far more harrowing than any fiction he’s ever penned.
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