Renowned British author Neil Gaiman, celebrated for works like Good Omens, American Gods, and The Sandman, is confronting serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
Eight women have come forward with accusations against the 64-year-old writer, detailing incidents of assault, coercion, and abuse.
Allegations Surface
Among the accusers is a former nanny who alleges that in February 2022, Gaiman assaulted her in a backyard bathtub in New Zealand. She further claims that subsequent assaults occurred in a hotel room while his son was nearby, with Gaiman allegedly instructing her to call him “master” and commending her as a “good little girl.”
The women involved were predominantly in their 20s at the time of the alleged incidents, with the youngest being 18, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older.
Neil Gaiman’s Background
Born on November 10, 1960, in Portchester, Hampshire, England, Neil Gaiman hails from a family with Polish-Jewish and Ashkenazi roots. He has two younger sisters, one of whom is affiliated with the Church of Scientology in Los Angeles. Gaiman’s educational journey includes attending Fonthill School, Ardingly College, and Whitgift School.
In the 1980s, he ventured into journalism, conducting interviews and writing book reviews for the British Fantasy Society. His literary influences encompass Mary Shelley, Rudyard Kipling, Edgar Allan Poe, Alan Moore, and Gene Wolfe.
A notable admirer of Monty Python, Gaiman also developed an interest in Metal Hurlant comics during a trip to France at age 13, and cites Roger Zelazny as a significant literary influence.
Literary Achievements
Gaiman’s writing career commenced in 1984 with a short story. He authored a biography of the band Duran Duran and co-edited Ghastly Beyond Belief.
In 1987, he collaborated with Terry Pratchett on Good Omens. Gaiman honed his comic script writing skills, contributing to Miracleman and Watchmen.
He co-created The Sandman, introducing the character Death, and penned The Books of Magic and Marvel 1602. His adaptations include Princess Mononoke and Beowulf for film, and he wrote the screenplay Neverwhere for the BBC.
Several of Gaiman’s works, such as Stardust and Coraline, have been adapted into movies. He received Hugo Awards for Doctor Who’s “The Doctor’s Wife” and the Good Omens miniseries. In 2023, he lent his voice to a character in Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose.
Impact of Allegations
In 2024, five women accused Neil Gaiman of sexual assault and abuse, with interviews featured on Tortoise Media and The New York Times. The allegations include groping at a book event, painful, unwanted sexual encounters, and demands for sexual favors.
Gaiman has denied these claims, including an accusation from writer Julia Hobsbawm. In response to the allegations, Disney has halted the film adaptation of The Graveyard Book, and production of Good Omens season 3 has been delayed. Gaiman has since stepped back from these projects.
Ongoing Investigations
The gravity of these allegations has prompted ongoing investigations and extensive media coverage. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of addressing and thoroughly investigating such serious claims within the literary community and beyond.