A woman has filed a lawsuit against acclaimed author Neil Gaiman, accusing him of sexual assault along with human trafficking.

Scarlett Pavlovich claims in her civil lawsuit, recently submitted in federal court in Wisconsin and reviewed by YSL News, that Gaiman “repeatedly raped” her while she was working as a live-in nanny for his child in New Zealand in 2022. At that time, she was around 24 years old, while Gaiman was 61. She alleges that during this period, Gaiman received “free sexual services and labor” from her.

Palmer, Gaiman’s wife, is also named in the lawsuit, with Pavlovich claiming she “procured” her for Gaiman’s alleged abuse.

Pavlovich describes herself as “broke and homeless,” stating that she felt like an “economic hostage” to Gaiman and Palmer. She alleges that the couple aimed to keep her trapped and exploited her financial difficulties to compel her to provide sexual services and childcare without pay.

Gaiman has denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual conduct as recently as last month.

YSL News has reached out to Gaiman and Palmer’s representatives for their responses.

Earlier this year, Pavlovich made similar claims against the couple in a Vulture article published January 13.

Scarlett Pavlovich Describes Being Left ‘Alone, Penniless, and Struggling’

In her lawsuit, Pavlovich recounts how she met Palmer in Auckland in 2020, and later, in February 2022, was asked to babysit over a weekend. She alleges that Gaiman first assaulted her on February 4, 2022, after sending his child away and suggesting she take a bath in the garden.

After Palmer offered her a live-in nanny position, Pavlovich, in need of stable employment, accepted. She alleges Gaiman sexually assaulted her multiple times, causing her severe pain and bleeding, and required her to address him as “master” and refer to herself as a “slave.”

During her time in their home, Pavlovich claims that Gaiman and Palmer intentionally delayed her payment for her work, which took several months to receive. Eventually, she alleges Gaiman paid her but demanded she sign an “employment agreement” in return for rent assistance.

Pavlovich asserts that Palmer was negligent as she was aware of Pavlovich’s history as an abuse survivor having battled mental health issues recently. Though Pavlovich confided in Palmer about the alleged abuse, she claims Palmer was unfazed and mentioned that other women had similar experiences with Gaiman.

According to the lawsuit, “Having taken labor, her sense of self-worth, and her optimism, Palmer and Gaiman abandoned Scarlett – leaving her alone, penniless, and struggling.” Pavlovich is seeking at least $1 million in damages.

Neil Gaiman Denies the Allegations as Collaborators Separate Themselves

Last month, in an open letter, the Hugo Award-winning author denied that any abuse occurred, asserting that the “stories making the rounds online” “simply never happened.” Since last summer, Gaiman has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from approximately a dozen women through a podcast series from U.K. outlet Tortoise, as well as the aforementioned Vulture report.

“In reading this latest collection of accounts, there are things I half-recognize and things I absolutely do not, mixing events that happened with those that did not occur,” Gaiman wrote. “I am far from perfect, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

He continued, “At the time, those relationships felt positive and happy for both parties. However, looking back years later, I recognize that I could have and should have behaved significantly better.”

Despite reflecting on past relationships, he vehemently rejected the misconduct allegations, stating, “I am willing to take responsibility for any mistakes I made, but I refuse to be labeled as someone I am not, nor can I admit to actions I did not commit.”

Following these allegations, some companies have parted ways with the renowned writer known for works like “The Sandman,” “Good Omens,” “American Gods,” and “Coraline.”

On January 24, Dark Horse Comics announced it would halt the publication of Gaiman’s works. The publisher had collaborated with him on adaptations, including “How to Talk to Girls at Parties.”

IndieWire reported in September that Disney had paused production on the film adaptation of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book.” Amazon MGM Studios also confirmed to YSL News that the series “Good Omens,” starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant, will conclude with a 90-minute movie instead of a full third season.

Additionally, a U.K. stage production titled “Coraline – A Musical” announced its cancellation, stating, “After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in light of the allegations against its original author.” Ticket holders were informed directly via email.

 
If you or someone you know needs help regarding sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential support around the clock at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org. Services are available in both English and Spanish at RAINN.org/es.

Contributing: Edward Segarra and Taijuan Moorman,