English
compiled by Elmili TK
Author Neil Gaiman has strongly denied allegations of sexual assault made against him by former nanny Scarlett Pavlovich, calling them “a sham” and “invented.” The claims were part of a lawsuit filed in February, which also named Gaiman’s ex-wife, Amanda Palmer. Pavlovich accused Gaiman of raping and assaulting her while she worked for his family in New Zealand in 2022. She is seeking damages of at least $7 million (£5.6 million).
In his legal response, Gaiman firmly rejected the accusations, stating that the detailed sexual scenarios described by Pavlovich were fabricated and that any sexual interactions between them were consensual. Gaiman’s legal team presented WhatsApp messages as evidence, where Pavlovich expressed gratitude for a “lovely night” and confirmed that their relationship was consensual.
Additionally, Gaiman’s lawyers pointed to a thorough investigation by New Zealand police, which concluded that there was no merit to Pavlovich’s claims, and no charges were filed.
Pavlovich’s lawsuit accuses Gaiman and Palmer of violating federal human trafficking laws, as well as assault, battery, emotional distress, and negligence. She previously spoke about the allegations in a 2024 podcast and was one of eight women who made similar claims in a New York Magazine article in January.
Gaiman, in response to the earlier claims, stated, “I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”
A spokesperson for Palmer expressed concern over the allegations but emphasized that her primary focus was her son’s wellbeing, and she declined to comment further.
The lawsuit was filed in Wisconsin against Gaiman and Palmer, and separately against Palmer in Massachusetts and New York. Gaiman’s legal team contends that U.S. courts lack jurisdiction, as the alleged incidents occurred in New Zealand.
