Neil Gaiman issues statement denying sexual abuse accusations
Author of Netflix‘s The Sandman, Neil Gaiman has categorically denied the sexual assault allegations levelled at him by multiple women in a recent magazine article.
Vulture published claims from several women who all accused the writer of various kinds of serious sexual misconduct. Eight women were interviewed in total, and six went on the record with their stories. Four had also previously participated in a podcast investigation by Tortoise Media into the author’s alleged activities.
On January 14th, 2025, Gaiman published a statement responding to the allegations on his website. He revealed he previously kept quiet in public forums about the matter “out of respect for the people who were sharing their stories and out of a desire not to draw even more attention to a lot of misinformation.” However, the new article spurred him into action, as he realised, “I’ve now reached the point where I feel that I should say something.”
Gaiman admitted “there are moments I half-recognise and moments I don’t” in the article, but he was adamant that all the relationships he engaged in were entirely consensual. He claimed, “I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”
“I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available,” admitted Gaiman, “self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been. At the same time, as I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don’t accept there was any abuse. To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.”
The American Gods scribe claimed some allegations against him “simply never happened.” In contrast, others, he alleges, “have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality.”
The writer insisted, “I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can’t accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn’t do.”
Gaiman’s career has come to a grinding halt in the wake of the troubling accusations. Three adaptations of his works – Dead Boy Detectives, Good Omens, and The Graveyard Book – have either been cancelled or had their productions paused indefinitely.
None of the streaming companies involved in making these projects have confirmed that the allegations are the reason for the cancellations and pauses, although Deadline did report that Gaiman stepped away from Good Omens for that reason.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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