Renowned author Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual assault by two women, both of whom he had consensual relationships with.
These accusations have led to a police complaint in New Zealand.
Gaiman strongly denies any claims of non-consensual sex.
He points out that New Zealand police did not follow up on his offer to help with one woman's complaint in 2022, which he believes shows that the claim is not valid.
New Zealand police, however, have stated that they made multiple attempts to speak with key individuals involved in the investigation and that these efforts are ongoing.
They also pointed out that the case is complicated because all the people involved are in different places.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations span over two decades and involve young women who encountered Gaiman, a 63-year-old bestselling author known for works like "The Sandman," "Good Omens," and "American Gods."
These encounters occurred in different capacities—one as a nanny for his child and another as a fan of his writing.
The women's accounts were first reported in Tortoise's podcast "Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman," released on Wednesday.
The four-part series delves into the women's stories of rough and degrading sex with the author, which they claim was not always consensual.
Scarlett, a 23-year-old woman, alleges that Gaiman sexually assaulted her within hours of their first meeting in February 2022 while she was working as a nanny at his New Zealand residence.
According to Tortoise, Gaiman says they only "cuddled" and "kissed" in the bath, and he had permission for this.
He insists that during their three-week relationship, they only engaged in consensual touching.
Scarlett further alleges that during their relationship, Gaiman engaged in rough and degrading sexual acts that were not consensual.
Tortoise has reviewed contemporaneous messages, notes, and spoken with friends whom Scarlett confided in at the time, which supports her claims.
The second woman, referred to as K, met Gaiman at a book signing in Sarasota, Florida, in 2003 when she was 18.
They began a romantic relationship when she turned 20, while Gaiman was in his mid-40s.
K alleges that she endured rough and painful sex that she "neither wanted nor enjoyed."
She recalls an incident where Gaiman penetrated her despite her asking him not to due to a painful infection.
Gaiman denies any unlawful behavior with K and finds her allegations troubling.
Gaiman reportedly believes K's allegations stem from regret over their relationship and asserts that Scarlett was suffering from a condition associated with false memories during their relationship—a claim not supported by her medical records or history.
Neil Gaiman is listed on Time magazine's roster of the world's 100 most influential people.
He is credited with bringing comics to a global audience and has been hailed as "the most loved living writer."
His works have been adapted into Netflix and Amazon mini-series, Hollywood films, and West End shows.
He recently delivered the Tolkien Lecture at Oxford University and was chosen to open the latest season of the Queen's Reading Room podcast.
These serious allegations have cast a shadow over Gaiman's illustrious career, and the ongoing investigation will determine the veracity of these claims.
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