The famous author Neil Gaiman and his estranged wife, musician Amanda Palmer, have been sued in federal court by their former nanny, Scarlett Pavlovich. According to the complaint, Gaiman has engaged in human trafficking, sexual abuse, assault, rape, and coercion under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act while Pavlovich was working for the couple in New Zealand.
Pavlovich met Palmer in Auckland in 2020, when she was 22. She began attending the couple’s home on Waiheke Island, where she helped around the house and also caring for children. According to the suit, Gaiman sexually assaulted Pavlovich at least multiple times between February and when she started as a live-in nanny for Palmer and his children. She also claims that Palmer knew of Gaiman’s alleged history of abuse and failed to warn her, thereby facilitating the misconduct.
The lawsuit, filed in Wisconsin, where Gaiman owns a residence, seeks damages exceeding $1 million for physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Pavlovich has also filed related lawsuits against Palmer in New York and Massachusetts, citing uncertainty about Palmer’s state of residence.
Reactions to these accusations have resulted in several professional projects for Gaiman. Dark Horse Comics has said it will stop publishing his works and Netflix canceled the intended adaptation of “The Sandman” after its second, upcoming season. A musical based on Gaiman’s novel “Coraline” has also been canceled.
Gaiman has publicly denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual activity. Palmer, currently undergoing divorce proceedings with Gaiman, has stated that she is “not able to offer public comment” at this time.
These developments have led to significant professional and personal repercussions for Gaiman, including the suspension of various projects and public scrutiny. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and representatives for both Gaiman and Palmer have not provided further comments.
