Neil Gaiman has publicly addressed the sexual assault allegations against him for the first time in several months. In a statement released on his Instagram account, the renowned author categorically denied the claims made by nine women, calling them a “smear campaign” intended to tarnish his reputation.
The allegations were first reported in a podcast investigation by Tortoise Media in July 2024 and later explored in a subsequent article by New York Magazine in January 2025. Gaiman emphasized that private communications and recordings exist that contradict the accusations leveled against him.
In his lengthy post, Gaiman expressed frustration with the media coverage surrounding the allegations, claiming that much of it prioritized sensationalism over factual accuracy. He stated, “These allegations, especially the really salacious ones, have been spread and amplified by people who seemed a lot more interested in outrage and getting clicks on headlines rather than whether things had actually happened or not. (They didn’t.)”
Gaiman expressed astonishment at what he described as an “echo chamber” in media reporting, where substantial evidence supporting his claims was allegedly overlooked or ignored. He believed that a thorough investigation would reveal the truth and help restore his reputation.
The author also shared how the support from his followers has been instrumental in helping him cope with the ongoing controversy. He indicated that his confidence in the eventual vindication of his version of events has bolstered his resilience during these challenging times.
Among the accusers is Scarlett Pavlovich, who previously worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his ex-wife, musician Amanda Palmer. The nature of the allegations spans claims of sexual misconduct and coercive behavior, but Gaiman has firmly maintained that these accusations are without merit.
As the situation evolves, Gaiman’s response marks a significant moment in the discourse surrounding the allegations. By directly addressing the claims and the media’s role in amplifying them, he aims to clarify his position and seek justice against what he describes as unfounded accusations.
