Publisher Drops Neil Gaiman Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

NEW YORK (AP) — Dark Horse Comics has severed ties with acclaimed author Neil Gaiman following multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The publisher announced on X last weekend that it would no longer release its illustrated series based on Gaiman’s novel, “Anansi Boys.” The seventh of eight planned editions was published earlier this month.

“Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works,” the company stated. Gaiman, known for bestsellers such as “Coraline” and “The Sandman” series, has faced accusations from eight women, as detailed in a January New York Magazine article. The allegations include claims of assault, abuse, and coercion.

Gaiman addressed the allegations in a blog post, stating, “Like most of us, I’m learning, and I’m trying to do the work needed, and I know that that’s not an overnight process. 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.”

Other publishers, including HarperCollins and W.W. Norton, have indicated they have no plans to release Gaiman’s books in the future. Bloomsbury, another of Gaiman’s publishers, has declined to comment. Meanwhile, Gaiman’s name no longer appears on the website of the Stephen Barclay Agency, which has handled his speaking engagements for years.

Disney has paused a planned adaptation of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book,” while Netflix remains committed to releasing a second season of its series based on “The Sandman.” Gaiman’s office and literary agent did not immediately respond to requests for comment.