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 prominence with The Sandman comic series and has authored acclaimed novels like Good Omens, Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, Anansi Boys, The Graveyard Book, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Gaiman has also been involved in television adaptations of his works, including co-creating the TV series Good Omens and The Sandman.

Sections (5)

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

1986: Hobsbawm's accusation of "aggressive, unwanted pass"

In 1986, writer Julia Hobsbawm accused Neil Gaiman of "an aggressive, unwanted pass", recounting 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 "Spawn" with Todd McFarlane, leading to a legal dispute over copyright infringement.

February 2004: Court ruling on Spawn characters' ownership

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

September 2010: Deadline for settling Spawn derivative claim

In September 2010, a judge gave Todd McFarlane until the beginning of the month to settle the matter of Spawn characters Dark Ages Spawn, Domina, and Tiffany, which Neil Gaiman claimed were derivative of the characters they co-created.

2021: Wallner alleges sexual harassment; signs NDA

In 2021, Caroline Wallner, a former tenant of Neil Gaiman, alleges he demanded sexual favors in exchange for housing; Gaiman grabs her hand and placed it on his penis while his young son was asleep in the same bed. Wallner, her ex-husband, and Gaiman signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), and Gaiman paid Wallner $275,000.

February 2022: Pavlovich's allegation of sexual assault

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

August 2022: Gaiman's Payment to "Claire"

In August 2022, Neil Gaiman made a $60,000 payment to "Claire" after she described non-consensual kissing and groping by Gaiman after meeting him at a book tour event, as alleged in 2024.

July 2024: Sexual assault and abuse accusations

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

September 2024: Production halted on The Graveyard Book film and Good Omens season three

In September 2024, Disney halted production on the film adaptation of "The Graveyard Book" due to various factors, including sexual assault allegations against Neil Gaiman. That same month, production on season three of "Good Omens" was put on hold.

The Graveyard Book

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2024: Sexual Assault Accusations

Beginning in 2024, news outlets published sexual assault accusations against Gaiman by numerous women, affecting adaptations of his work, and one accuser sued Gaiman and his estranged wife Amanda Palmer for rape and human trafficking. Gaiman denied these allegations.

January 2025: Allegations against Gaiman published

In January 2025, a New York magazine cover story detailed the allegations against Neil Gaiman. Later that month, Dark Horse Comics cut ties with Gaiman, cancelling his comic adaptation of Anansi Boys. Netflix canceled "The Sandman", and Gaiman was dropped by his agent Casarotto Ramsay.

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February 2025: Human Trafficking Lawsuit

In February 2025, Scarlett Pavlovich filed federal lawsuits alleging human trafficking and sexual assault, naming Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer as co-defendants. Gaiman denied the allegations, questioned the court's jurisdiction, and presented evidence suggesting the claims were false.

2025: Arbitration requests related to NDA

In early 2025, Neil Gaiman and Caroline Wallner both requested arbitration, the dispute resolution method mandated by the NDA, each accusing the other of violating the agreement.