Best-selling British author Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual misconduct by eight women, including four who had previously spoken out.
The allegations, detailed in a New York Magazine cover story, follow last year’s release of Tortoise Media’s podcast Master, which first reported claims of sexual assault against the acclaimed fantasy and science fiction writer.
The new article, published on Monday, includes interviews with eight women who describe similar experiences with Gaiman.
One woman, who had been hired to babysit Gaiman’s young child, alleges that he offered her a bath in his garden before joining her naked in the tub, asking her to sit on his lap and sexually assaulting her.
Gaiman has denied the allegations, posting on his blog that while he acknowledges his imperfections, he has “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”
The claims reported by New York Magazine echo those from Tortoise Media’s podcast, in which five women initially came forward.
The allegations from all eight women focus on instances where Gaiman reportedly engaged in BDSM activities with them without prior explicit consent or agreement, despite the women sometimes playing along by calling him “master” and continuing communication.
Gaiman’s representative previously told Tortoise Media that BDSM activities, though not everyone’s preference, are lawful when involving consenting adults.
The BBC has reached out to Gaiman’s representatives for further comment.
A police report was filed against Gaiman in January 2023 regarding a sexual assault accusation, but the investigation was eventually dropped.
Since the accusations came to light, some of Gaiman’s film and TV projects have been affected.
Season three of Prime Video’s Good Omens will now conclude with a 90-minute episode, with Gaiman no longer involved.
Disney has paused production of The Graveyard Book, while Netflix canceled Dead Boy Detectives, though it’s unclear whether this was linked to the allegations.
Despite these setbacks, The Sandman season two is still set to be released on Netflix, as is Prime Video’s Anansi Boys adaptation.
Leeds Playhouse is also moving forward with a musical adaptation of Gaiman’s Coraline, despite the ongoing allegations.
Publisher Headline, which has released several of Gaiman’s works, declined to comment on the matter.
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