Neil Gaiman Faces Human Trafficking, Sexual Abuse Allegations in Multi-State Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Author Neil Gaiman and his estranged wife, musician Amanda Palmer, are facing a federal lawsuit alleging human trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape. The lawsuit, filed by former nanny Scarlett Pavlovich, accuses Gaiman of multiple counts of sexual misconduct and Palmer of knowingly facilitating the abuse.

The 28-page complaint, filed in Wisconsin, New York, and Massachusetts, details allegations that Gaiman sexually assaulted Pavlovich while she worked as a live-in nanny for the couple in New Zealand in 2022. Pavlovich, represented by the law firm Kamerman Uncyk Soniker & Klein, is seeking at least $1 million in damages.

“This claim arises out of Defendant Neil Gaiman’s sexual abuse of Plaintiff, and his wife Amanda Palmer’s role in procuring and presenting Plaintiff to Gaiman for such abuse,” the lawsuit states. Pavlovich alleges that Palmer, aware of Gaiman’s history of misconduct, failed to warn her of the risks before hiring her to care for their son.

The lawsuit claims that Pavlovich, who was homeless and estranged from her family at the time, was exploited for unpaid labor and coerced into sexual acts. “She was, in effect, an economic hostage to Palmer and Gaiman,” the complaint reads. Pavlovich also alleges that Gaiman raped her multiple times, including an incident described as a “sodomy rape.”

Gaiman has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sexual activity. In a January 14 blog post, he stated, “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.” Palmer has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

The case has drawn attention following a New York Magazine article by Lila Shapiro and a six-part podcast by Tortoise Media, both of which explored allegations against Gaiman. The lawsuit aligns with claims made by Pavlovich and seven other women.

Gaiman’s professional life has also been impacted by the allegations. He has been dropped by his UK agent, and the third season of his TV series “The Sandman” has been scaled back to a 90-minute episode. The second season of the show will reportedly be its last.

Pavlovich’s legal team argues that Palmer’s negligence contributed to the abuse. “Palmer was sufficiently aware that Gaiman was likely to target Scarlett, that she warned Gaiman to stay away from Scarlett before she brought Scarlett to Gaiman’s house as a babysitter,” the complaint states. “Yet Palmer never warned Scarlett of the known danger posed by Gaiman.”

The lawsuit seeks damages for physical, emotional, and psychological harm, as well as punitive damages. A jury trial has been requested.