Sandman creator Neil Gaiman faces extra sexual assault allegations

Finest-selling British creator Neil Gaiman has reportedly been accused of sexual misconduct by eight girls, together with 4 who beforehand spoke out.

The fantasy graphic novel and science fiction author – whose books Good Omens, American Gods and The Sandman have been tailored for tv – was the topic of a New York Journal cowl story on Monday.

The piece – which particulars contemporary claims made in opposition to him primarily based on interviews with eight girls – follows final yr’s launch of Tortoise Media’s podcast Grasp, which reported the preliminary accusations.

Gaiman’s representatives have denied the allegations, telling the US publication that he and the ladies had engaged in consensual encounters.

In July 2024, Tortoise Media reported that Gaiman had been accused of sexual assault and launched a podcast collection which lined allegations made by 5 girls.

On Monday, New York Journal and its web site Vulture reported allegations from eight girls – 4 of whom additionally participated in Tortoise’s podcast – claiming to have had comparable experiences with Gaiman.

One of many girls, who had been babysitting Gaiman’s five-year-old little one, alleges that he provided her a shower in his backyard earlier than becoming a member of her within the tub bare, asking her to take a seat on his lap, and that he sexually assaulted her.

Whereas the article states that the entire accusers had sooner or later performed together with Gaiman’s needs to some extent by calling him “grasp” and persevering with to speak with him; the ladies allege that consent and particular BDSM actions which they are saying befell had not been mentioned and agreed upon previous to them occurring.

Gaiman’s consultant’s beforehand advised Tortoise that “sexual degradation, bondage, domination, sadism and masochism is probably not to everybody’s style, however between consenting adults, BDSM is lawful.”

The BBC has contacted Gaiman’s representatives for additional remark.

A police report accusing Gaiman of a sexual assault was made in January 2023, however the investigation was finally dropped.

For the reason that allegations first surfaced, a number of of Gaiman’s movie and TV initiatives have been affected.

Season three of Prime Video’s Good Omens will now finish with one 90-minute episode, with Gaiman not concerned within the manufacturing.

Disney has paused manufacturing on its movie adaptation of one other Gaiman title, The Graveyard E-book, whereas Netflix has cancelled Lifeless Boy Detectives, though it isn’t clear if this was associated to the allegations.

Season two of The Sandman remains to be anticipated to be launched this yr on Netflix, nevertheless, in addition to Prime Video’s collection adaptation of Anansi Boys.

The BBC has contacted Netflix, Prime Video and Disney for a remark.

Leeds Playhouse, which is internet hosting a musical adaptation of Gaiman’s darkish fantasy horror kids’s novella Coraline, from April. It advised BBC Information in November it was transferring forward with the undertaking. The venue has been approached for a response to the newest allegations.

Writer Headline has declined to remark.