The Lawsuit at the End of the Lane: Author Neil Gaiman Faces Rape and Sexual Assault Accusations

In the graphic novel Sandman, Neil Gaiman wrote: “Rules and responsibilities: these are the ties that bind us. We do what we do, because of who we are." Millions of his fans who love his works are being forced to come to terms with who their favorite author may be.

Three related lawsuits filed by a former babysitter/nanny on February 3, 2025, accuse Gaiman of rape and human trafficking. Gaiman's estranged wife, Amanda Palmer, is also named in the suit. Multiple lawsuits were filed due to Palmer claiming residences in three different states.

While Scarlett Pavlovich is the sole plaintiff, she's not the only person to have accused Gaiman of sexual assault. Pavlovich chose to identify herself in the New York Magazine article that revealed her accusations and those of others, some of whom remained anonymous.

In response to the suit, Gaiman stated that he has "never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

Enter Sandman

Neil Gaiman ranks as one of the most popular and successful authors on the planet. Raised by parents who spent time as high-ranking members of the Church of Scientology, his books have amassed sales of over 50 million. Works like "American Gods," "Sandman," and "Coraline" were adapted into television series and movies. He has served as a gateway author into fantasy books and graphic novels for countless readers.

Amanda Palmer was part of The Dresden Dolls, an alternative music band. She was an early Patreon success story and the first musician to raise over $1 million on Kickstarter. Her book, The Art of Asking, was a New York Times bestseller.

Gaiman and Palmer were married in 2011. It was Gaiman's second marriage and they have a son together. Currently, they are separated and going through the divorce process. Both are named in the suit, although some charges vary.

Not in the Job Description

According to the filings, Pavlovich had a chance encounter with Palmer in New Zealand in 2020. That led to social encounters and Pavlovich running errands for Palmer. On February 1, 2022, Palmer asked Pavlovich if she was interested in babysitting her son for the weekend on Waiheke Island, where both Palmer and Gaiman had residences.

The suit charges this to be when the abuse started, with Gaiman sexually assaulting her in a bathtub. At the end of the weekend, Palmer (who was not on the island that weekend) asked Pavlovich to stay on as a babysitter/nanny. About to be homeless and desperate for money, Pavlovich agreed. Gaiman's assaults continued, according to Pavlovich.

When she later informed Palmer of the ongoing abuse, Palmer said that 14 women had told her Gaiman had sexually abused them. Saying she'd help, Palmer told Pavlovich, “I’ve had to do this before, and I can do this again. I will take care of you.” It wasn't until Pavlovich became suicidal that she fled her abusers.

She stated that she later received an NDA from Gaiman backdated to the day of the initial assault. Once she signed it and sent it back, she received a series of payments for her previously unpaid employment as a babysitter/nanny.

After friends connected her with experts in handling victims of sexual assault and rape, Pavlovich filed a police report against Gaiman for sexual assault. The police said they'd need Palmer's cooperation for the case to move forward, but Palmer declined to speak with the police. There's no evidence of charges being filed.

For the Jury To Decide

Pavlovich alleges Gaiman and Palmer engaged in civil conspiracy to commit human trafficking, with Pavlovich claiming that Palmer put her into a situation where she knew sexual assault by Gaiman was likely to occur.

Gaiman faces separate accusations of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. In addition to human trafficking, Pavlovich is also seeking compensation from Palmer for negligence.

Pavlovich is seeking $7 million in damages from the pair. The case seems most likely to proceed in Wisconsin, where both defendants are listed on the lawsuit. No court date has been set at this time.

Related Resources

• Obtaining and Using a Police Report (FindLaw's Accident and Injury Law)
• Human Trafficking and Slavery (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
• Civil Cases - The Basics (FindLaw's Filing a Lawsuit)