Author Neil Gaiman has strongly denied allegations of sexual assault made against him by a former nanny, calling them “a sham” and “invented.”
The Good Omens writer filed a legal response to the lawsuit, which was lodged against him and his ex-wife, Amanda Palmer, in February 2025.
Scarlett Pavlovich, the accuser, claims Gaiman raped and assaulted her while she was employed by his family in New Zealand in 2022.
She is seeking at least $7 million (£5.6 million) in damages.
However, Gaiman’s legal team has refuted the claims, stating that Pavlovich’s accusations are false and that any sexual encounters were entirely consensual.
As part of his defense, Gaiman submitted WhatsApp messages in which Pavlovich allegedly thanked him for a “lovely lovely night” and affirmed that their relationship was consensual.
His lawyers also pointed out that New Zealand police had “thoroughly investigated” Pavlovich’s claims but found “no merit” in them, ultimately deciding not to press charges.
Pavlovich claims she was 22 and homeless when Palmer befriended her in New Zealand. She alleges that after starting work for the couple, she was repeatedly assaulted by Gaiman.
In addition to accusations of assault, battery, and emotional distress, she also alleges that Gaiman and Palmer violated federal human trafficking laws.
Her allegations first became public in mid-2024 when she spoke in a Tortoise Media podcast.
She was also among eight women who accused Gaiman of abuse and coercion in a New York Magazine article published in January 2025.
In response to those claims, Gaiman maintained that he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.
A spokesperson for Palmer distanced her from the case, stating that while she is disturbed by the allegations against Gaiman, her priority remains the wellbeing of her son, and she will not comment further to protect his privacy.
Pavlovich has filed lawsuits against Gaiman and Palmer in Wisconsin, as well as separate cases against Palmer in Massachusetts and New York.
However, Gaiman’s lawyers argue that U.S. courts lack jurisdiction, as the alleged incidents occurred in New Zealand.
The case continues to unfold, with both sides standing firm in their claims.
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