'Sandman' author Neil Gaiman faces more sexual assault charges

Best-selling British author Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual misconduct by eight women, four of whom have previously made public accusations, according to reports.

The fantasy graphic novel and science fiction author – whose books Good Omens, American Gods and The Sandman have been adapted into TV series – was the subject of a New York Magazine cover story on Monday.

The article details new allegations against him based on interviews with eight women. Tortoise Media's podcast Master reported on the original allegations last year.

Gaiman's representatives have denied the accusations and told US media that he and the women were consensual.

In July 2024, Turtle Media reported that Gaiman had been accused of sexual assault and released a podcast series covering the accusations from five women.

On Monday, New York Magazine and its website Vulture reported on the allegations from eight women, four of whom also participated in Tortoise's podcast and claimed to have had similar experiences with Gaiman.

One of the women, who had been caring for Gaiman's five-year-old child, claimed that Gaiman made her bathe in his garden before joining her naked in the bath and making her sit on his lap before he sexually assaulted her.

While the article states that all of the accusers granted Gaiman's wishes to some extent, calling him “Master” and continuing to communicate with him; the women claim that the consent and specific BDSM activities they described were not met before they occurred. After discussion and agreement.

Gaiman's rep previously told Turtle that “sexual degradation, bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism may not be to everyone's taste, but BDSM is legal between consenting adults.”

The BBC has contacted Gaiman's representatives for further comment.

In January 2023, a police report accused Gaiman of sexual assault, but the investigation was eventually dropped.

Since the allegations first surfaced, several of Gaiman's film and television projects have been affected.

The third season of Prime Video's Good Omens will end with a 90-minute episode, with Gaiman no longer involved in the production.

Disney has suspended production on a film adaptation of another Gaiman work, “The Graveyard Book,” while Netflix has canceled production on “The Dead Boy Detective,” although it's unclear whether this is related to the allegations.

However, the second season of “The Sandman” and Prime Video's “The Boys of Anansi” series are still expected to be released on Netflix this year.

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

Leeds Playhouse, which will stage a musical adaptation of Gaiman's dark fantasy horror children's novella Coraline starting in April, has also been contacted for a response.

Publisher Headline declined to comment.