Neil Gaiman is accused of sexual assault by two women

Acclaimed author Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual assault by two women who previously had consensual relationships with him.

According to a new report by the British news agency Turtle MediaThe allegations against Gaiman span two decades and concern young women who came into contact with Gaiman as his child’s nanny or as fans of his writings.

The following article contains potentially triggering material related to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are seeking support, contact the Canadian Crime Victims Resource Centre to find resources near you.

A 23-year-old woman named Scarlett claims Gaiman sexually assaulted her in a bathtub at his New Zealand residence within hours of meeting him in February 2022. tortoise reports that Gaiman’s description of the relationship was that they “just ‘cuddled’ and ‘made out’ in the bathtub and that he did it consensually,” which led to a three-week sexual relationship in which they “only engaged in consensual digital penetration.”

Scarlett claims that Gaiman “committed rough and degrading sexual acts with her” – a claim supported by tortoise‘s view of “contemporary news, notes” and memories from Scarlett’s friends the outlet spoke to.

The second woman, identified in the report as K, met Gaiman at a book signing in Sarasota, Florida in 2003 when she was 18. When she turned 20, she began a romantic relationship with Gaiman, who was then in his mid-40s. tortoiseShe claims she subjected herself to “rough and painful sex that she neither wanted nor enjoyed.”

Turtle Media reports that Gaiman “strongly denies any allegations of non-consensual sex with the women,” adding that New Zealand police reportedly “did not accept his offer of assistance regarding a woman’s complaint in 2022, which he believes reflects its lack of substance.”

New Zealand police responded by saying they had made “several attempts to speak to key individuals as part of the investigation and these efforts are ongoing,” adding that there were “a number of factors to consider in this case, including the whereabouts of all those involved.”

The outlet writes that Gaiman “believes K’s allegations are motivated by her regret over their relationship and that Scarlett was suffering from a condition associated with false memories at the time of her relationship with him,” pointing out that this claim is not supported by her medical records and medical history.

Gaiman, 63, was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world last year. He is the author of short stories, novels, comics and more, and his original works include The Sandman And American Gods were adapted for the screen.