Neil Gaiman Caught Responds To Sexual Allegations: “I Don’t Accept There Was Any Abuse”
Famed author Neil Gaiman, known for iconic works like The Sandman, Good Omens, and American Gods, is at the center of a media storm following sexual assault accusations by nearly a dozen women. Gaiman has finally broken his silence, addressing the claims in an emotional open letter shared on his official website.
The 64-year-old British author admitted to staying silent initially, saying, “I’ve stayed quiet until now, both out of respect for the people who were sharing their stories and out of a desire not to draw even more attention to a lot of misinformation.”
However, the author felt compelled to speak out, stating, “I’ve now reached the point where I feel that I should say something.”
The Allegations
The accusations against Gaiman began to surface in the summer of 2024, when a six-episode podcast series from UK media outlet Tortoise, titled Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman, unveiled five claims of sexual assault. These revelations were soon followed by a report from Vulture that detailed four additional allegations.
The claims span decades, with the youngest alleged victim being 18 at the time of the incident. Many of the women were in their 20s, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older. One woman alleges that Gaiman forcibly kissed her in 1986 when he was in his mid-20s. Some of the women were fans, while others worked with the celebrated author during the alleged incidents.
The allegations range from forcible oral and anal sex to physical beatings. Gaiman’s representatives responded, asserting that the incidents were consensual and involved BDSM (bondage, discipline or domination, sadism, and masochism) practices.
Gaiman Denies Non-Consensual Acts
In his letter, Gaiman addressed the accusations head-on. “I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever,” he stated emphatically. The author claimed that his relationships with his accusers were consensual. “At the time I was in those relationships, they seemed positive and happy on both sides,” Gaiman wrote.
However, he admitted to personal failings. “I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused, and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been,” he confessed. Gaiman also acknowledged that he had been “careless with people’s hearts and feelings,” calling his actions “selfish.”
Fallout and Career Impact
Reports indicate that Disney has paused its film adaptation of his novel The Graveyard Book. Additionally, the popular Amazon Prime Video series Good Omens will conclude with a 90-minute movie episode rather than a full third season.
Gaiman’s letter ended on a resolute note. While he expressed regret for his past behavior, he firmly denied the more severe allegations. “I don’t accept there was any abuse,” he wrote. “I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can’t accept being described as someone I am not.”
Neil Gaiman’s legacy, once defined by his fantastical storytelling, now faces a controversial chapter.
