Neil Gaiman, who faces allegations of sexual assault from nearly a dozen women, has responded to the claims.

In a detailed open letter posted on his official website on Tuesday, the renowned British author expressed his “horror and dismay” at the stories circulating about him online.

“I have remained silent until now, out of respect for those sharing their experiences and to avoid amplifying misinformation,” stated Gaiman, 64. “I’ve always preferred to maintain my privacy and believe social media isn’t suitable for discussing important personal issues.”

He emphasized that he felt compelled to finally speak out.

The allegations against Gaiman, the creator of popular fantasy works such as “The Sandman,” “Good Omens,” “American Gods,” and “Coraline,” first emerged in the summer of 2024. This coincided with a six-part podcast series by U.K. media group Tortoise, titled “Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman,” which brought to light five separate claims of sexual assault.

The reports expanded on Monday, as Vulture released additional findings regarding four further allegations that echoed details from prior testimonies. This outlet stated that it had examined texts, diary notes, emails with friends, and police correspondence.

The youngest of the purported victims was 18 at the time, but most women involved were in their 20s during the alleged incidents, while Gaiman was in his 40s or older. There was one claim involving an incident in 1986 when a woman alleged that Gaiman forcibly kissed her when he was in his mid-20s. Some of the women were fans, while others were in a professional capacity when the alleged occurrences took place.

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

In light of the allegations, which range from forced oral and anal sex to physical violence, representatives for Gaiman contended to various media that the reported incidents were consensual and part of consensual BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance/submission, sadism, and masochism) practices.

“As I reviewed this latest group of accounts, there were moments I sort of recognized alongside things that definitely did not occur,” Gaiman noted on Tuesday. “I’m not claiming to be an ideal person, but I have never engaged in sexual activity that was not consensual with anyone.”

Gaiman stated that he has looked back on his communications with those who accused him and believes they reflect “mutually enjoyable consensual relationships and a desire to see one another again.”

“During those relationships, they felt positive and joyful on both sides,” Gaiman remarked. “However, revisiting these messages years later makes me realize I could have and should have done much better.”

He further added, “I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available; I was self-focused and not as considerate as I should have been. I was careless with people’s feelings, and that is something I genuinely regret. It was selfish of me; I was absorbed in my own narrative and neglected those of others.”

Since the previous summer, several of Gaiman’s projects have reportedly been paused or reduced. IndieWire indicated in September 2024 that Disney had halted production on the movie adaptation of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book.” Additionally, in October, it was revealed that the Amazon Prime Video series “Good Omens” would conclude with a 90-minute special, rather than a full third season, as confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios to YSL News.

“Like many, I’m learning and addressing the needed changes, realizing that it isn’t a quick journey,” Gaiman expressed. “I hope with the support of good people, I’ll continue to evolve. I acknowledge that not everyone will believe me or care about my perspective, but I will still work on myself, for my family and loved ones.”

Nonetheless, Gaiman firmly stated that some allegations against him are “horrific tales that simply did not occur” and that others are “so distorted from reality that they bear no connection to what actually happened.”

“I don’t agree that any abuse took place,” Gaiman asserted. “I am ready to own up to any mistakes I made, but I won’t ignore the truth, nor will I accept being labeled as someone I am not, or concede 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 support around the clock to survivors and their families in both English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and in Spanish at RAINN.org/es.

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman.