CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sexual assault, rape, and abuse.
Amanda Palmer, ex-wife of author Neil Gaiman, has denied allegations made in a recent lawsuit of negligence and human trafficking.
The lawsuit filed last week by the couple’s former nanny Scarlett Pavlovich — who is seeking around $1 million in damages — accuses Gaiman of human trafficking, rape, coercion, and sexual abuse. This is alongside claims from at least seven other women who have come forward since mid-2024, alleging assault, coercion, or abuse by the Coraline and American Gods author.
The lawsuit also names Palmer for allegedly “procuring” her for Gaiman and failing to warn Pavlovich about his history of alleged sexual misconduct, among other startling claims.
According to court papers, Palmer was “sufficiently aware” that Gaiman might “target” her, alleging she warned the author to stay away from Pavlovich before she arrived at their house to babysit back in 2022.
In a short post on Instagram, Palmer — who shares a 10-year-old son with Gaiman — has broadly denied the accusations.
“I thank you all deeply for continuing to respect my recent request for privacy as I navigate this extremely difficult moment,” she wrote on Saturday, referring to her statement last month in which she noted divorce proceedings with Gaiman remain ongoing.
“I must protect my young child and his right to privacy.
“With that as my priority, I will not respond to the specific allegations being made against me except to say that I deny the allegations and will respond in due course.”
Palmer added that her heart “goes out to all survivors”.
Palmer has said she will respond more specifically “in due course”. Source: Instagram
The American songwriter met Gaiman in 2008 and the couple tied the knot in 2011.
Their divorce was announced in November 2022, around two years prior to the allegations emerging against the author.
Meanwhile Gaiman has also denied the accusations and the characterisation of events with the women.
“I went back to read the messages I exchanged with the women around and following the occasions that have subsequently been reported as being abusive. These messages read now as they did when I received them – of two people enjoying entirely consensual sexual relationships and wanting to see one another again,” he said in a statement published on his website last month.
The author emphasised there was no abuse in these relationships.
“As I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don’t accept there was any abuse. To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone,” he said.
A shocking New York Magazine report in January outlined numerous allegations against Gaiman. Pavlovich — who was interviewed by reporter Lila Shapiro for the piece — alleged on the day she first met the author, he joined her naked in a bath without asking, and proceeded to assault her.
She also alleged an incident occurred at a hotel in February 2022 where Gaiman began to have sex with her while his son was present in the room.
According to Pavlovich, she informed Palmer about the interactions, although she withheld some of the most brutal details and did not describe her experience as sexual assault.
“Fourteen women have come to me about this,” Palmer allegedly responded, per New York Magazine.
However, at a later instance when she was informed about the child being present in the room, the report described Palmer as “silent” and “shocked”.
A number of publishers have severed ties with Gaiman since the allegations arose, mostly recently Dark Horse Comics cancelled plans to publish future works by the author. A stage adaptation of Gaiman’s Coraline was also shelved.
Prior to this, numerous screen adaptations of his works — including The Sandman and The Graveyard Book — have been cancelled or put on pause.
Lead image: Tim Mosenfelder and John Lamparski/WireImage
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The post Neil Gaiman’s Ex-Wife Amanda Palmer Breaks Silence On Allegations Of Negligence & Trafficking appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
