“Male Feminist” Neil Gaiman Breaks Silence On Sexual Assault Allegations: “Not Everyone Will Believe Me”

Neil Gaiman, the popular author of The Sandman and American Gods, has long advocated for progressive values, often framing himself as a “male feminist” and ally to women. But now, that carefully crafted public persona is under scrutiny following allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct from multiple women.

In July 2024, Tortoise Media broke the story with its podcast Master, where five women accused Gaiman of sexual misconduct. Then, in January 2025, New York Magazine published an explosive exposé, There Is No Safe Word, expanding the list of accusers to eight. These women described experiences ranging from unwanted advances to coercive and abusive behavior.

The Allegations

One of the accusers, Scarlett Pavlovich, who previously worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his then-wife Amanda Palmer, alleges Gaiman forced her into a bathtub before engaging in abusive behavior. She also claims he later compelled her to engage in degrading acts, including licking her own feces, while beating her with a belt.

Other accusers detailed similar patterns of manipulation and coercion. A woman alleged that Gaiman brought her onto his tour bus, attempted to touch her intimately, and, when rebuffed, raped her. Another woman, the wife of a gardener on Gaiman’s property, claimed she was coerced into sexual acts in exchange for housing and subsequently paid for her silence.

Neil Gaiman’s Response

For months, Gaiman remained silent, avoiding public appearances and refraining from addressing the allegations directly. However, on Tuesday morning, he published a detailed statement on his personal blog, categorically denying all claims of non-consensual activity:

"I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever," he wrote. Gaiman admitted to personal failings in how he managed relationships but firmly rejected the accusations of abuse. "I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been. I was obviously careless with people’s hearts and feelings, and that’s something that I really, deeply regret," he stated.

But while expressing regret for emotional harm caused by his actions, Gaiman maintained his innocence regarding the more serious accusations: "Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality."

"I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can’t accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn’t do."

In his blog post, he acknowledged that some readers may never forgive him: "I understand that not everyone will believe me or even care what I say, but I’ll be doing the work anyway, for myself, my family, and the people I love."

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