Neil Gaiman, a renowned author accused of sexual assault by close to a dozen women, has come forward to address these claims.

In an extensive open letter posted on his official website on Tuesday, the British writer expressed his horror at the narratives circulating online about him.

“I have remained silent until now, out of respect for those sharing their stories and to avoid drawing more attention to a lot of misinformation,” Gaiman, 64, stated. “I prefer to keep my private life private and have long believed that social media is not suitable for discussing serious personal issues.”

He further noted, “I have reached a point where I feel compelled to respond.”

The accusations against Gaiman, known for fantasy works like “The Sandman,” “Good Omens,” “American Gods,” and “Coraline,” first emerged in the summer of 2024, following a six-part podcast series by U.K. outlet Tortoise entitled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman,” which detailed five separate sexual assault claims.

Further allegations surfaced on Monday, with Vulture reporting four more claims that “share similarities” with accounts from Gaiman’s other accusers. The outlet reportedly examined texts, journal entries, and police communications associated with the allegations.

The youngest alleged victim was 18, although most individuals involved were in their 20s during the purported assaults, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older at the time. Notably, one claim involves an incident from 1986 when a woman alleges the writer forcibly kissed her (when Gaiman was in his mid-20s). Some of the women were fans, while others were colleagues who interacted with him at the time.

Neil Gaiman Claims He ‘Has Never Engaged in Non-Consensual Sexual Activity’

In light of the accusations, which involve forced sexual acts and physical assaults, Gaiman’s representatives have informed various media that any alleged encounters were consensual and pertained to practices in BDSM (bondage, discipline/dominance, submission/sadism, and masochism).

“As I peruse this latest set of allegations, I encounter moments that I partially recognize and others that I do not, where descriptions of events sit alongside clear fabrications,” Gaiman reflected on Tuesday. “I am far from perfect, but I have never partaken in non-consensual sexual activities with anyone. Ever.”

Gaiman mentioned that he has reviewed his communications with the women who have accused him, asserting that these messages depict “two individuals engaged in completely consensual relationships and wanting to meet again.”

“During those relationships, my impressions were that they were positive and satisfying for both parties,” Gaiman elaborated. “Looking back years later, I realize that I could have and should have acted much better.”

He continued, “I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-centered, and not as considerate as I should have been. I regret being careless with others’ feelings and emotions. It was selfish of me. I became engrossed in my own narrative and neglected others’ experiences.”

Since the previous summer, several projects linked to Gaiman have reportedly been placed on hold or reduced in scope. IndieWire indicated in September 2024 that Disney had suspended its film version of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book.” Additionally, in October, it was noted that Amazon Prime Video planned to conclude the series “Good Omens” with a 90-minute special rather than a full third season, as confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios to YSL News.

“Like many, I am learning and trying to undertake the necessary work, and I recognize this is not an instant process,” Gaiman wrote. “I hope to keep growing with the support of good people. I understand that not everyone will believe my assertions or care about my perspective, but I will continue this work for myself, my family, and those I love.”

Nonetheless, Gaiman concluded that some of the allegations against him are “horrifying stories  (that) simply never occurred,” while others are “so distorted from the actual events that they lack any connection to reality.”

“I refuse to accept that there was any abuse,” Gaiman stated. “I am ready to take accountability for any mistakes I may have made. However, I cannot disregard the truth, and I cannot accept being characterized as someone I am not, nor will I admit to actions I did not commit.”

If you or someone you know has faced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 assistance to survivors and their loved ones in both English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org, or in Spanish at RAINN.org/es.

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman,