In a recent legal development, acclaimed British author Neil Gaiman and his estranged wife, musician Amanda Palmer, are facing a federal lawsuit filed by their former nanny, Scarlett Pavlovich. The lawsuit, lodged in the United States District Court, accuses Gaiman of human trafficking, sexual abuse, assault, rape, and coercion under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Palmer is also implicated, with allegations suggesting she facilitated the circumstances leading to the abuse.
Background of the Allegations
Pavlovich, a New Zealand native, met Amanda Palmer in Auckland in June 2020 while she was homeless. Palmer extended support by offering her a position as a live-in nanny for her and Gaiman’s child. According to the lawsuit, the alleged sexual assaults by Gaiman began in February 2022 and persisted over time. Pavlovich claims that her financial dependence and lack of housing options made it challenging to leave the situation.
Details of the Lawsuit
The legal action, filed in Wisconsin where Gaiman owns property, seeks damages exceeding $1 million for physical, emotional, and psychological harm. The lawsuit alleges that Gaiman’s actions were intended to coerce Pavlovich into providing sexual services and unpaid childcare. It further accuses Palmer of being aware of Gaiman’s alleged abusive tendencies and negligently placing Pavlovich in harm’s way.
Additional Allegations Against Gaiman
This lawsuit follows a series of accusations against Gaiman by multiple women. In July 2024, five women came forward with allegations of sexual assault and abuse, detailing non-consensual encounters and coercive behavior. One woman, using the pseudonym “Claire,” described unwanted advances and a subsequent payment from Gaiman in August 2022. Another, identified as “K,” recounted experiences of painful and non-consensual sexual activities.
In January 2025, a comprehensive article in New York Magazine featured interviews with four additional women who accused Gaiman of similar misconduct. These accounts highlighted a pattern of coercion, manipulation, and abuse, often involving young women in vulnerable positions.
Impact on Gaiman’s Career
The mounting allegations have significantly affected Gaiman’s professional endeavors. Dark Horse Comics announced the cessation of their publishing relationship with him, canceling ongoing projects such as the comic adaptation of “Anansi Boys.” Disney halted production on the film adaptation of “The Graveyard Book,” and Netflix canceled “The Sandman” series after its second season. Gaiman has also stepped back from producing the third season of the television series “Good Omens.”
Responses from Gaiman and Palmer
Neil Gaiman has consistently denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual activity. In a statement on his website, he acknowledged past personal failings but firmly refuted any claims of sexual misconduct. Amanda Palmer has not publicly commented on the lawsuit or the allegations against her.
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Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The lawsuit filed by Pavlovich is part of a broader legal strategy, with additional suits filed in New York and Massachusetts. These legal actions underscore the severity of the allegations and the potential legal consequences for both Gaiman and Palmer. The case also highlights the complexities involved when accusations of abuse intersect with issues of power dynamics, financial dependence, and the responsibilities of employers toward their employees.
Conclusion
The allegations against Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer have not only led to significant legal challenges but have also prompted a reevaluation of their professional collaborations and public personas. As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing and rectifying abuses of power, especially within personal and professional relationships.
