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 comic series *The Sandman* and authored acclaimed novels such as *Good Omens* (co-written), *Stardust*, *American Gods*, *Coraline*, *Anansi Boys*, *The Graveyard Book*, and *The Ocean at the End of the Lane*. Gaiman has also been involved in the television adaptations of *Good Omens* and *The Sandman*, further solidifying his impact on popular culture.

Sections (5)

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

1986: Accusation by Julia Hobsbawm

In 1986, 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 the Spawn characters he created with Todd McFarlane, sparking a legal dispute over copyright infringement.

March 2020: Gaiman and Palmer moved to New Zealand; Gaiman left the country

In March 2020, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer, and their son moved to New Zealand. Weeks later, Gaiman left the country for his holiday home on the Isle of Skye, breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules, which resulted in criticism and an apology from Gaiman.

2021: Allegation by Caroline Wallner

In 2021, Caroline Wallner, a former tenant of Neil Gaiman, alleged that he demanded sexual favours in exchange for being allowed to continue living on his property. Wallner, her ex-husband, and Gaiman signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), and Gaiman paid Wallner $275,000.

February 2022: Allegation of sexual assault by Scarlett Pavlovich

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

August 2022: $60,000 payment to 'Claire'

In August 2022, Neil Gaiman made a $60,000 payment to 'Claire', one of the women who accused him of sexual assault and abuse.

July 2024: Sexual assault and abuse allegations

In July 2024, five women accused Neil Gaiman of sexual assault and abuse. All five were interviewed on the Tortoise Media podcast *Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman*. One accuser, using the pseudonym 'Claire', was also interviewed by *The New York Times*.

September 2024: Production halts on The Graveyard Book film adaptation

In September 2024, Disney halted production on the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman's *The Graveyard Book* due to a variety of factors, including the sexual assault allegations against Gaiman.

The Graveyard Book

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2024: Sexual assault accusations surface against Neil Gaiman

In 2024, news outlets published sexual assault accusations against Neil Gaiman by numerous women. These accusations impacted or halted production on adaptations of his work. One accuser sued Gaiman and Amanda Palmer for rape and human trafficking. Gaiman has denied these allegations.

January 2025: Fallout from allegations

In January 2025, following allegations of sexual assault and abuse against Neil Gaiman, Dark Horse Comics cut ties with Gaiman, cancelling his ongoing comic adaptation of *Anansi Boys*. Gaiman was also dropped as a client by his agent Casarotto Ramsay.

Anansi Boys

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February 2025: Scarlett Pavlovich files lawsuits against Gaiman and Palmer

In February 2025, Scarlett Pavlovich filed three federal lawsuits in the US alleging human trafficking and sexual assault, naming Gaiman and Palmer as co-defendants in one case and Palmer alone in two others. Gaiman responded by claiming the American court lacked jurisdiction and accusing Pavlovich of lying, presenting evidence suggesting her claims were false.

2025: Arbitration requests by Gaiman and Wallner

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.