Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer Sued for $7 Million Over Sexual Assault Claims

Renowned British author Neil Gaiman and his wife, Amanda Palmer, are facing serious legal challenges. Scarlett Pavlovich, a former nanny from New Zealand, has filed three civil lawsuits against the couple, alleging sexual assault and human trafficking. These lawsuits were submitted on Monday in federal courts across Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New York.

Background of the Allegations

In 2020, Pavlovich, then 22, was homeless and living on a beach in Auckland, New Zealand. She met Amanda Palmer, who invited her to their home on Waiheke Island. Pavlovich began assisting with errands, babysitting their son, and handling household chores, eventually becoming their full-time nanny.

According to the lawsuits, the first incident of sexual assault by Gaiman occurred in February 2022, the night they met. Pavlovich claims that the assaults continued, but she felt compelled to stay due to her financial situation and Gaiman’s promises to support her writing career. When she confided in Palmer about the assaults, Palmer allegedly revealed that over a dozen women had previously accused Gaiman of similar misconduct.

The alleged assaults persisted until Pavlovich expressed suicidal thoughts to Palmer. After leaving the family, she became homeless again. Gaiman later compensated her for her childcare services and assisted with her rent for a few months.

Legal Claims and Demands

Pavlovich’s lawsuits accuse both Gaiman and Palmer of violating federal human trafficking laws. She alleges that Palmer was aware of Gaiman’s intentions and facilitated the situation, leading to her exploitation. Pavlovich is seeking at least $7 million in damages.

Gaiman’s Response to the Allegations

Following a January article in New York Magazine, where eight women accused him of sexual misconduct, Gaiman issued a statement denying any non-consensual sexual activity. He acknowledged past carelessness with people’s feelings but firmly stated, “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

Impact on Gaiman’s Professional Endeavors

The allegations have had significant repercussions on Gaiman’s career. Dark Horse Comics announced in January that it would no longer release its illustrated series based on Gaiman’s novel, “Anansi Boys.” Disney has paused a planned adaptation of “The Graveyard Book,” and Netflix is still scheduled to release a second season based on “The Sandman.”

Legal Proceedings and Representation

As of now, representatives for Gaiman and Palmer have not responded to requests for comment. Online court records do not list attorneys representing them in these suits. Pavlovich’s attorneys have indicated that Gaiman resides in Menomonie, Wisconsin, while Palmer’s current residence is uncertain, possibly in Massachusetts or New York.

Broader Context of the Allegations

These lawsuits are part of a broader pattern of accusations against Gaiman. In July 2024, a podcast by Tortoise Media reported allegations by two women of sexual assault against him. One woman claimed that Gaiman had performed sexual acts on her without her consent when she was 22 and working as a nanny for his family in New Zealand. Gaiman strongly denied any wrongdoing at the time, stating that all of his sexual relationships were consensual.

Conclusion

The legal battles facing Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer highlight serious allegations of misconduct and exploitation. As the lawsuits progress, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the complexities of the case and its implications for all parties involved.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author