Renowned author Neil Gaiman and his wife, musician Amanda Palmer, are facing serious legal allegations after a lawsuit was filed on Monday accusing them of sexual misconduct and human trafficking. The lawsuit, brought by Scarlett Pavlovich, alleges that Gaiman repeatedly raped her and subjected her to violent abuse during her time as their live-in nanny. Palmer is accused of knowingly hiring Pavlovich despite being aware of Gaiman’s alleged history of misconduct.
The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman
Scarlett Pavlovich claims that she began working for Gaiman and Palmer in 2022 when the couple lived in separate houses on Waiheke Island, near Auckland, New Zealand. At the time, Pavlovich was struggling with financial instability and mental health challenges, which, according to the lawsuit, made her vulnerable to exploitation.
The suit alleges that over several months, Gaiman repeatedly and violently raped Pavlovich, choked her, hit her with a belt, and referred to her as his “slave.” He allegedly demanded that she call him “master,” creating an environment of fear and control.
“Gaiman engaged in many nonconsensual sex acts with Scarlett,” the lawsuit states. “Those acts were abusive and demeaning… Scarlett endured those acts because she would lose her job, housing, and promised future career support if she did not.”
Pavlovich claims that Gaiman’s reputation as a feminist initially led her to trust him, but the alleged abuse left her feeling trapped and hopeless. By the end of her time working for the couple, Pavlovich says she became suicidal and required hospitalization at a psychiatric center.
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Allegations Against Amanda Palmer
The lawsuit also accuses Amanda Palmer of complicity in the alleged abuse. Pavlovich claims that Palmer hired her despite knowing about Gaiman’s alleged history of sexual misconduct. The suit further accuses both Gaiman and Palmer of human trafficking , alleging that they exploited Pavlovich’s vulnerable state to maintain control over her.
Broader Context: Previous Allegations
This lawsuit is not the first time these allegations have surfaced. Last year, a Tortoise Media podcast featured similar claims from Pavlovich, and a recent article in New York Magazine included allegations from eight women, including Pavlovich, who accused Gaiman of inappropriate behavior and abuse.
Since these allegations came to light last summer, Gaiman has been dropped from several high-profile projects. His Netflix series, “The Sandman,” is set to conclude with its second season this year, but his professional reputation has taken a significant hit.
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Neil Gaiman’s Response
In a post titled “Breaking the Silence” on his website, Gaiman denied all allegations against him.
“I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone,” he wrote. “Ever.”
While Gaiman admitted to being “selfish” and expressed regret for being “careless with people’s hearts and feelings,” he vehemently denied crossing the line into abuse.
“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,” he stated.
The allegations have sparked widespread discussion about accountability in the entertainment industry. Gaiman, a prolific writer known for works like “The Sandman,” “American Gods,” and “Coraline,” has long cultivated a reputation as a progressive and feminist voice. For many fans, the accusations have been deeply unsettling, challenging their perception of the author.
Meanwhile, Pavlovich’s lawsuit highlights broader issues of power dynamics and exploitation, particularly in cases where individuals are in vulnerable positions. Her claims underscore the importance of addressing systemic issues of abuse and ensuring that victims feel empowered to speak out.
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