Well-known writer Neil Gaiman, more known for his works like “Sandman” and “American Gods,” is under a cloud of darkness with heavy accusations on him. Two women have made allegations against Gaiman for sexual assault, in what can be considered casting a dark shadow over Gaiman’s illustrious career. 

This blog takes a dive into the nitty-gritty of the allegations, the denial of the same by Gaiman, and the ongoing investigations.

The Accusations On Neil Gaiman

The first of the complainants against Neil Gaiman, a woman known only as Scarlett, says Gaiman sexually assaulted her in February 2022 in New Zealand. At the time, she was a 23-year-old nanny working for Gaiman’s family. The specifics of the said assault are private, but Scarlett claims it was done against her will. A report was filed in the New Zealand police, and an investigation is currently underway.

The second accuser is a woman who goes by the name of K, and she alleges that Gaiman subjected her to a series of sexual acts without her consent. K first came to know about Gaiman at a 2003 book signing, when she was 18 years old.

According to K, they started a relationship when she was 20 and Gaiman was 40. K points to a number of incidents in which Gaiman pursued rough sex despite her expressing a lack of comfort with it.

These allegations were dug up by a four-part, comprehensive investigative podcast series, “Master: The Allegation Against Neil Gaiman.” The podcast delves deeply into the allegations, with interviews of Scarlett herself and K.

Denials by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman has aggressively denied any allegations of sexual assault. He claims the affair with Scarlett was consensual and very brief—only three weeks long, and ‘heavy petting.’ The ‘disturbing’ recent allegations by K, he said, are completely made up.

Fallout

The accusations towards Gaiman have left many of his fans angry and disenchanted. Many of them are in a dilemma as to how to bridge the beloved author with the serious charges. In the publishing world, an eye is also watching, wondering if indeed Gaiman will face any professional repercussions.

What Needs to Happen Now

New Zealand continues to investigate the allegation of Scarlett.  This truly has the potential to dispel darkness.

The accusations of sexual assault against Neil Gaiman are critical, and as truth cannot yet be established, serious allegations like this are usually pointed to create meaningful discussions in the lines of consent and power. The literary world is currently gasping as investigations get to their feet to determine the truth around the allegations leveled against Neil Gaiman. It’s a harsh reminder that even our highest lights can be found in the soup.