'Good Omens' author Neil Gaiman faces new sexual harassment allegations
What's the story
Neil Gaiman, the acclaimed author of The Sandman, Good Omens, and Coraline, is facing several allegations of sexual harassment.
A New York Magazine cover story titled There Is No Safe Word has detailed accusations from nine women.
This comes after Tortoise Media's earlier investigation, which released a podcast titled Master in July 2023 covering allegations from five women against Gaiman (64).
Trigger warning: Graphic details of sexual violence ahead.
Harrowing experience
Main accuser is a former nanny who was 22 then
Scarlett Pavlovich, one of the accusers, claims she met Gaiman through his ex-wife Amanda Palmer in New Zealand in 2020.
She alleges that while babysitting the couple's son (then 5) in 2022, Gaiman initiated non-consensual sexual acts.
Pavlovich, who was 22 then, recounts an incident where Gaiman allegedly invited her to bathe in a clawfoot tub in the garden and then assaulted her. It happened the first day she babysat for them.
Disturbing incident
Pavlovich was first assaulted on the first day she babysat
As Gaiman's son was away for a playdate, Pavlovich agreed to take a bath. But she was shocked when Gaiman returned naked and entered the tub with her.
Pavlovich told New York, "...he put his fingers straight into my a*s and tried to put his p***s in my a*s. And I said, 'No, no.' Then he tried to rub his p***s between my b*****s, and I said 'no' as well."
Then he told her: "Call me 'master,' and I'll come."
Continued abuse
Alleged harassment continued, accuser signed NDA
Pavlovich claims the incidents of degradation, rape, and assault continued when she was babysitting for Gaiman's family.
She alleges Gaiman's son started calling her "slave" and commanded her to call him "master."
After signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and receiving $9,200 in several payments, Pavlovich filed a police report in January 2023.
However, the case was closed due to lack of evidence.
New accusation
Second accuser alleged misconduct at Gaiman's property
Another accuser, identified only as Caroline, worked as a caretaker on Gaiman's property in Woodstock, New York.
She alleges Gaiman initiated sexual encounters with her while his son was present.
In exchange for signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), Caroline received $3,00,000.
However, representatives for Gaiman deny any misconduct and assert Caroline initiated their encounters.
More allegations
Eight women came forward with claims in this article
Kendra Stout and Katherine Kendall have also accused Gaiman of sexual misconduct.
Stout alleges that Gaiman raped her in 2007 despite her repeated refusals.
Kendall claims that he attempted to assault her on a tour bus and later provided her with $60,000 for therapy.
Eight women spoke out in this article, four of whom had already revealed their ordeal in the Master podcast.
Without leaving any comment, Gaiman has denied certain specific claims through his legal representatives.