Author Neil Gaiman Is Another "Male Feminist" Accused Of Sexual Assualt
The beloved author behind The Sandman and American Gods has long reveled in his role as a self-proclaimed "male feminist" and was celebrated for his progressive political stances. Now he's being accused of sexual abuse and misconduct by at least 8 women.
In July 2024, allegations of sexual assault and misconduct emerged against Gaiman, with at least 8 women stepping forward to share their harrowing experiences.
Scarlett Pavlovich, a former nanny for Gaiman and Palmer's child, accused Gaiman of sexual assault, detailing incidents that paint a disturbing picture. She alleges that he made her get in a bathtub before abusing her. Then he later allegedly made her lick her own feces and beat her with a belt while masturbating.
Other women have recounted similar experiences, describing a pattern of disgusting and predatory behavior that contrasts with Gaiman's public image as a so-called ally.
Another woman alleges that he brought her back to his tour bus and asked to put his fingers inside her. When she refused, she claims he raped her. In another alleged incident, the wife of his gardener who lived on his property says she was forced into sexual activities in exchange for living there. Gamain allegedly paid her to remain silent.
His wife, artist Amanda Palmer, also known for her fierce advocacy of feminist ideals, also finds herself entangled in this web of deceit and betrayal. Reports suggest that she was initially supportive of Pavlovich when the allegations surfaced but later distanced herself from the allegations. At one point, it's reported that she alleged there 14 women with similar stories spanning decades.
Some online are speculating that Palmer may have played a role in enabling his alleged behavior given the dynamics of their relationship and the "sexually liberated" circles they moved in. If there was an arrangement between them, tacit or explicit, it would explain the ease with which Gaiman allegedly engaged in predatory behavior.
If, on the other hand, Palmer is completley uninvolved, the personal and professional ramifications for her are likely devastating as she grapples with the dissonance between her perception of her "partner" and reality.
A Disturbing Pattern
Sadly, Gaiman’s alleged behavior is far from an isolated incident; it’s part of a broader pattern that seems almost inherent to the “male feminist” archetype. While presenting themselves as allies to women, these men often use their politics as a manipulative tool to gain trust, credibility, and access. The formula is disturbingly simple: present yourself as the "safe" guy who understands women's struggles, gain their confidence, and then exploit that trust for personal gain.
This performative "allyship" creates a dangerous dynamic where women are disarmed by their apparent sensitivity and good intentions, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. It’s not just hypocritical—it’s predatory.
Silence in the Publishing Industry
Perhaps even more troubling than the allegations themselves is the revelation that many within the publishing industry likely knew about Gaiman’s behavior but chose to remain silent. Publishing insiders who ignored red flags or actively protected Gaiman enabled a cycle of harm.
The silence also speaks to a troubling double standard. While the publishing world prides itself on being "progressive," it’s hard to reconcile those values with its willingness to protect alleged predators when it happens to better serve their narrative. It raises a difficult but necessary question: how many other celebrated progressive figures in the industry are being shielded in similar ways?
In the wake of the scandal, Gaiman’s response has been conspicuously absent. The once prolific social media user has gone silent, canceling his lone public appearance and avoiding any personal engagement with the allegations. Instead, the author has allegedly turned to a tried-and-true tactic of damage control: hiring a PR firm to flood social media with bot-generated posts about his work to bury the story.
Rather than addressing the allegations head-on or offering accountability, Gaiman appears to be relying on distraction—burying the scandal under a pile of promotional noise. This strategy isn’t new, but it feels especially tone-deaf when used by someone who has built a career on presenting himself as a voice of moral superiority.
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