Neil Gaiman at the premiere of “The Sandman” in August 2022.Image : imago images
The famous author of Fantasy faces new accusations of sexual harassment on the part of several women, which could have repercussions on his current projects.
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Neil Gaiman is recognized for his works that have been adapted in films, series and plays, such as “Good Omens”, “American Gods”, “The Sandman”, “Stardust”, “The Ocean at the end of the lane” and “Coraline”. In 2015, he was inducted into science fiction and fantasy hall of fame.
However, its success could be seriously questioned: several women allegedly alleged that they were victims of their abuse of power last summer. New accusations have recently emerged.
Summary of facts
In a flagship article in the magazine “Vulture”, a publication of the “New York Magazine”, eight women told similar experiences, denouncing inappropriate behavior by Gaiman. One of them even claimed to have signed a privacy agreement.
According to her, she worked as a childcare from February 2022 in New Zealand, where Gaiman would have harassed her in a hotel room in the presence of her child. In addition, from his first day of work, he would have acted inappropriately, entering without invitation into a bathtub with her and by subjecting her “sexual acts”.
The same article evokes sexual practices which, although consensual in the context of BDSM, would have seen Gaiman ignore the limits and the word “no”. Journalists examined messages and emails exchanged between women and Gaiman.
The first charges had emerged in July 2024 during a podcast in four parts of Tortoise Media. Gaiman representatives rejected these allegations, declaring that “domination, submission and sadomasochism may not be to everyone’s taste, but remain legal between consenting adults”.
Gaiman rejects the accusations
Faced with new accusations, Gaiman said that he had “never started any unconted sexual activities. Never “.
In a blog post titled “Breaking the Silence”, he admitted that he had read the accusations with “horror and dismay”. He notes:
“I have kept silent so far, out of respect for those who have shared their stories and to avoid drawing attention to a lot of disinformation.”
He stresses that he has always tried to remain a private person and that social networks are not the best place to discuss important personal questions. “Now I think it’s time to answer.”
He adds:
“When I read these recent stories, there are moments that I partially recognize, and others that I do not recognize, descriptions of events that have happened, but also things that have manifestly never happened. »»
The British author indicates that he has re -read messages from the supposed incident period and considers that these were “two people engaged in a completely consensual sex”:
“At that time, these relationships seemed positive and happy on both sides.”
He admits that he was “imprudent with the hearts and feelings of people” and that he could have done “much better”, but he also says that he “does not admit that he has committed abuse”.
-Consequences of accusations
The allegations affect several cinematographic and television projects of Gaiman. The third season of “Good Omens”, with David Tennant and Michael Sheen, will now have a 90 -minute episode, and Gaiman will no longer be involved.
Michael Sheen and David Tennant in the roles of the Aziraphalian angels and the Crowley demon in “Good Omens”.Image : amazon prime video
Disney suspended the production of the adaptation of another Gaiman title, “The Graveyard Book”. For his part, Netflix canceled the series “Dead Boy Detectifs”, although it is not yet clear if it is linked to the accusations.
However, the second season of “The Sandman” should be broadcast on Netflix this year, as is the adaptation of “Anansi Boys” on Prime Video.
Fans reactions
Gaiman’s works are very popular with fantasy fans, which has caused great indignation. In the “Fandom” community, it is clear that women are raw, unequivocal.
Although the author said he would “best to regain the confidence of his readers”, it seems that it is already too late.
Many Internet users express their disappointment. Gaiman has created worlds and characters that have been refuges for many. Following these events, comparisons with JK Rowling were quickly made.
“Neil Gaiman is worse than JKR!” JKR is worse than Neil Gaiman! What if we decided to agree that the two are to be deplored and there is no point in playing who is the worst to justify our relationship with fictitious characters? ”
For many, the greatest disappointment lies in the fact that Gaiman has always been perceived as an empathetic and progressive writer, being one of the first to integrate queer characters in his stories, without resorting to harmful stereotypes.
“Yesterday, I spent my tenth trip listening to a podcast in six parts dealing with accusations against Neil Gaiman, and they advanced solid arguments according to which the latter exploited his power and his wealth to manipulate and abuse women during decades while pretending to be a sensitive feminist. ”
Some readers now choose to get rid of Gaiman’s books.
“I recently went to a second -hand bookstore, and a large number of books by Neil Gaiman were on sale.”
Likewise, some bookstores engage in this process. A bookstore in the United States has announced that it would donate income from the sale of the remaining books of Gaiman to a feminist organization.
“100 % of the benefits of sales of the remaining books of Neil Gaiman will be paid to the Emma Goldman clinic.”
Gaiman said in his declaration that he will assume responsibility for his mistakes, although the form that it will take remains to be determined.
In January 2023, a police report was filed against Gaiman for sexual assault, but the investigations were finally classified.
It is unknown for the moment whether the new accusations will have legal consequences.
