Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Neil Gaiman

Public opinion and media debates around Neil Gaiman—discover key moments of controversy.

Neil Gaiman is a prolific English author known for his diverse body of work spanning short fiction, novels, comic books, audio theatre, and screenplays. He gained significant recognition for his comic series *The Sandman* (1989-1996) and has penned several critically acclaimed novels including *Good Omens* (1990, co-authored), *Stardust* (1999), *American Gods* (2001), *Coraline* (2002), *Anansi Boys* (2005), *The Graveyard Book* (2008) and *The Ocean at the End of the Lane* (2013). Gaiman is also involved in television, notably co-creating the TV adaptations of *Good Omens* and *The Sandman*, further solidifying his impact on popular culture.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1986: Julia Hobsbawm's accusations

In 1986, the writer Julia Hobsbawm accused Neil Gaiman of "an aggressive, unwanted pass" and described how Gaiman pushed her onto a sofa and French kissed her.

2002: Gaiman claims joint ownership of Spawn characters

In early 2002, Neil Gaiman filed papers claiming joint ownership of characters he created for Todd McFarlane's Spawn comic, arguing that the characters were jointly owned by their scripter (himself) and artist (McFarlane), not merely by McFarlane.

February 2004: Court rules in favor of Gaiman in Spawn ownership dispute

In February 2004, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court ruling granting joint ownership of the Spawn characters Angela, Medieval Spawn, and Cogliostro to Neil Gaiman and Todd McFarlane.

September 2010: Settlement deadline in Spawn derivative character case

In September 2010, after Neil Gaiman claimed that the Spawn characters Dark Ages Spawn, Domina, and Tiffany were derivative of the three he co-created with McFarlane, the judge ruled in Gaiman's favor and gave McFarlane until the beginning of September 2010 to settle the matter.

February 2022: Sexual assault allegation by former nanny

In February 2022, Scarlett Pavlovich, a former nanny for Gaiman and Palmer's child, alleges that Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted her within hours of their first meeting.

August 2022: Payment to "Claire"

In August 2022, Neil Gaiman made a $60,000 payment to "Claire", one of the women accusing him of sexual assault, after she described non-consensual kissing and groping.

July 2024: Sexual assault and abuse allegations

In July 2024, five women accused Neil Gaiman of sexual assault and abuse, with interviews featured on the Tortoise Media podcast "Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman."

September 2024: Disney halts production on The Graveyard Book

In September 2024, Disney halted production on the film adaptation of "The Graveyard Book" due to various factors, including the sexual assault allegations against Neil Gaiman.

The Graveyard Book

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2024: Sexual assault accusations

Beginning in 2024, Neil Gaiman faced numerous sexual assault accusations from various women, which affected and halted production on adaptations of his work. One accuser even sued Gaiman and his estranged wife Amanda Palmer for rape and human trafficking.

January 2025: Allegations against Gaiman and business fallout

In January 2025, New York magazine published a cover story detailing the allegations against Neil Gaiman. Dark Horse Comics cut ties with Gaiman, canceling his comic adaptation of Anansi Boys. Netflix also canceled The Sandman, set to conclude with its second season. Furthermore, Gaiman was dropped as a client by his agent Casarotto Ramsay.

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Anansi Boys

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February 2025: Scarlett Pavlovich files lawsuits against Gaiman

In February 2025, Scarlett Pavlovich filed three federal lawsuits in the USA alleging human trafficking and sexual assault. One lawsuit named Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer as co-defendants, seeking at least US$7 million in damages. Gaiman responded by claiming the American court lacked jurisdiction, accused Pavlovich of lying, and stated that New Zealand police had investigated and found her claims to be false.