Neil Gaiman responds to accusations of sexual assault and rape

Neil Gaiman, a renowned writer of science fiction and fantasy, has been embroiled in serious allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation, as detailed in a recent exposé published by Vulture, New York Magazine’s culture section. The article features accounts from numerous women who have accused Gaiman of various forms of sexual assault, ranging from coercion to violent instances of rape.

The alleged victims include former fans, a former live-in babysitter for Gaiman’s son, and a divorced mother of three who was dependent on Gaiman for housing. One woman described a harrowing experience where Gaiman sexually assaulted her in a bathtub in his garden after she disclosed her past experiences of sexual abuse and her sexual orientation.

Gaiman, known for works such as “Coraline” and “American Gods,” has long been perceived as a feminist ally. However, the women in the article mentioned that this reputation led them to trust him before the alleged assaults took place. The incidents of sexual misconduct and abuse detailed in the article date back decades, with some occurring while Gaiman’s young son was present in the room.

In response to the allegations, Gaiman posted a more than 10,000-word blog on his website, vehemently denying engaging in non-consensual sexual activity. He acknowledged recognizing some events mentioned in the exposé but maintained that they were consensual relationships. The article referenced a previous podcast series by Tortoise Media, where five women described unwanted sexual advances from Gaiman that escalated to assault.

The fallout from the allegations has impacted Gaiman’s professional projects, with productions connected to his works being paused. A Disney film adaptation of his novel “The Graveyard Book” was halted, and the Prime Video series “Good Omens,” based on his collaboration with Terry Pratchett, had its third season put on hold. Despite these setbacks, adaptations of Gaiman’s works such as “Anansi Boys” and the second season of Netflix’s “The Sandman” are still in the pipeline.

As the situation unfolds, neither Amazon Prime Video nor Netflix has responded to requests for comment. For individuals who have experienced sexual assault, support is available through crisis lines and local services provided by the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. In cases of immediate danger, calling 911 is recommended.