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“I’m Horrified”: People React To Neil Gaiman’s Abuse Allegations As J.K. Rowling Speaks Out
2

“I’m Horrified”: People React To Neil Gaiman’s Abuse Allegations As J.K. Rowling Speaks Out

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J.K. Rowling slammed the literary community’s muted response to the growing number of sexual abuse allegations against Neil Gaiman, likening it to the early silence surrounding Harvey Weinstein

Trigger warning: sexual assault – Taking to her X page (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday (January 13), the Harry Potter author wrote: “The literary crowd that had a hell of a lot to say about Harvey Weinstein before he was convicted has been strangely muted in its response to multiple accusations against Neil Gaiman from young women who’d never met, yet – as with Weinstein – tell remarkably similar stories.”

Highlights
  • J.K. Rowling criticized the quiet response to abuse claims against Neil Gaiman.
  • Allegations against Gaiman are said to echo patterns seen with Harvey Weinstein.
  • Gaiman is accused of non-consensual acts, NDAs, and financial settlements.

Harvey Weinstein is a former Hollywood producer infamous for his role in the #MeToo movement, as over 80 women accused him of sexual harassment, assault, and rape, leading to multiple convictions and a 39-year prison sentence.

Rowling’s post quickly went viral, amassing 1.4 million views and drawing hundreds of divided reactions.

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    J.K. Rowling slammed the literary community

    Image credits: goodreads

    An X user commented: “Neil Gaiman? Damn it, I love his work.”

    A person wrote: “Innocent until proven guilty, then when he is … no mercy should be spared.

    “Using influence like that is just such a horrible thing to do because he is a celebrity. These people need some comeuppance!”

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    Image credits: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

    Someone else penned: “I didn’t know about this. I’m horrified. One of my favorite authors. 

    “I’ve read (tried to read) a couple of the accounts available. He needs serious jail time.”

    A separate individual chimed in: “I wonder why the silence.”

    She called out the muted response to the growing number of sexual abuse allegations against Neil Gaiman

    Image credits: jk_rowling

    Like Weinstein, Gaiman faces accusations not only of assaults on women but also of employing NDAs and financial settlements to silence his alleged victims. 

    Similarly, as seen with figures like Bill Cosby, Danny Masterson, and others recently held accountable for rape and assault, the accounts from unrelated women about Gaiman suggest a recurring pattern of behavior, Deadline reported on Monday.

    Rowling’s X post comes amid the publication of a New York magazine exposé detailed accounts from multiple women accusing Gaiman of abuse, some involving non-consensual acts during his time in New York and New Zealand.

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    Image credits: jk_rowling

    The exposé features the accounts of Scarlett Pavlovich, a woman who met Gaiman when she was a 22-year-old drama student.

    Pavlovich first encountered 44-year-old Amanda Palmer by chance in Auckland and became enamored with her charisma and unconventional lifestyle. 

    Over time, Pavlovich formed a close but complex relationship with Palmer, assisting her with tasks and feeling drawn to her community while struggling financially and emotionally, according to the magazine.

    Like Harvey Weinstein, Gaiman faces accusations not only of assaults on women but also of employing NDAs

    Image credits: neilhimself

    In November 2020, Pavlovich experienced a poignant sense of belonging at Palmer’s home, which filled a void in her life.

    Later, Palmer introduced Pavlovich to her estranged husband, Gaiman. On February 4, Pavlovich visited Gaiman, who was 61 years old at the time, at his home on Waiheke Island for a babysitting job arranged by Palmer.

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    After dinner and awkward conversation, Gaiman suggested Pavlovich take a bath in the garden’s clawfoot tub to pass the time, a suggestion she reluctantly accepted, as per the outlet.

    Image credits: David M. Benett/Getty Images

    While she bathed, Gaiman unexpectedly joined her naked, lit candles, and engaged in small talk before encouraging her to relax and “not ruin the moment,” stroking her feet despite her visible discomfort. 

    Pavlovich described the experience as one marked by a growing sense of “subtle terror,” according to the magazine.

    Pavlovich subsequently alleged that Gaiman subjected her to non-consensual sexual acts, ignored her protests, and made disturbing remarks during a traumatic encounter.

    Over 80 women accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault, and rape

    Image credits: Angela Weiss-Pool/Getty Images

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    After the alleged incident with the author, Pavlovich sought solace at Palmer’s vacant house, spending hours processing her distress and searching online for “#Metoo” accounts related to Gaiman but found only minor controversies.

    Gaiman’s groundbreaking DC comic series The Sandman has since raised eyebrows. 

    Moreover, the allegations echo unsettling parallels with the series’ story of Richard Madoc, a writer who exploits his muse. 

    This comes amid the publication of a New York magazine exposé detailed accounts from multiple women accusing Gaiman of abuse

    Image credits: Alec Perkins

    Image credits: Kyle Cassidy

    Gaiman has denied the allegations, calling previous claims consensual, while ongoing NDAs and communication with accusers have reportedly complicated the situation. 

    Despite stepping back from show-running projects like Good Omens, Gaiman has reportedly continued to work with Netflix and Amazon, which have yet to comment on the new accusations.

    “Same story, different perversions,” a reader commented

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    Andréa Oldereide

    Andréa Oldereide

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

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    Andréa Oldereide

    Andréa Oldereide

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    I’m a journalist who works as Bored Panda’s News Team's Senior Writer. The news team produces stories focused on pop culture. Whenever I get the opportunity and the time, I investigate and produce my own exclusive stories, where I get to explore a wider range of topics. Some examples include: “Doberman Tobias the viral medical service dog” and “The lawyer who brought rare uterine cancer that affects 9/11 victims to light”. You've got a tip? email me: andrea.o@boredpanda.com

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    Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

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    Donata Leskauskaite

    Donata Leskauskaite

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Hey there! I'm a Visual Editor in News team. My responsibility is to ensure that you can read the story not just through text, but also through photos. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from celebrity drama to mind-blowing Nasa cosmic news. And let me tell you, that's what makes this job an absolute blast! Outside of work, you can find me sweating it out in dance classes or unleashing my creativity by drawing and creating digital paintings of different characters that lives in my head. I also love spending time outdoors and play board games with my friends.

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    POST
    Ben Aziza
    Community Member
    16 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why the f**k are words like sexual abusers and pedos censored... I had this debate 2 days ago... It serves nothing but make the necessary discussion harder to have. Man f**k censorship and everyone on BP who pushed for it and those who defend. Cus this is what can result from it... Ppl not able to express or expose these this evil!

    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    18 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The article says: “The one thing I hear again and again, largely from women, is ‘He was always nice to me. He was always a gentleman.’” So was my first boyfriend, who would pressure me for sex every chance he got and not take no for an answer.

    Sandra Angulo
    Community Member
    20 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here’s a free link to the full article from Vulture. It’s pretty bad so decide for yourself if you’d like to read it: https://archive.is/KGcpy

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    19 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just read the whole article. The comparison is quite apt.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    17 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I imagine the downvotes are because Rowling is a complete hypocrite. She is a TERF - she doesn't consider trans women as being "women" (she's wrong; they ARE women.) So when someone likes her speaks out about "sexual abuse against women" - it leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, because you know that if a transgender woman had been sexually abused by Gaiman, Rowling wouldn't even consider it "sexual abuse against women", because trans women aren't women in her mind. AFAIK no trans women were abused/assaulted by Gaiman, so it's a hypothetical, but Rowling has made her stance on sex and gender VERY clear, repeatedly. I personally find her to be a foul person for her views about trans people.

    Load More Replies...
    Phobrek
    Community Member
    7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most people haven't even read the article yet, Rowling is jumping the gun in an effort to come off as righteous. That said, it's a devastating read and me and millions of other former Gaiman fans are about to start tossing his books. It's pretty clear that he's one of the worst monsters from his stories. And I doubt he'll spend a day in jail. It's all just sickening.

    Feelings are fake
    Community Member
    15 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, I thought BP hates JK. Please make up your mind; half of these people need you to tell them who to hate.

    CP
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People you don't like can still be correct about things. It would be a logical fallacy to say everything JKR says is wrong just because I don't like her.

    Load More Replies...
    GalPalAl
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have heard inklings about this from Neil Gaiman before. Often people don't realize that people in a position of power and notoriety often act out inappropriately. When people reach a certain level of perceived power, they often lost sight of reality and think they can demand whatever they want with no consequence. Talk about losing touch with reality.

    Nova Rook
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bored Panda could have raised this issue without framing it around Rowling.

    Enuya
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but recently Bored Panda starts to turn right. Adding JKR to the mix is a nice setup for "redeeming" her in the future

    Load More Replies...
    R F.
    Community Member
    12 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once prosecuted and convicted, I’ll form an opinion on the man.

    TTorrest Author
    Community Member
    13 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know this episode of GIRLS was meant to mirror the Weinstein debacle, but I couldn't help but be instantly reminded of it when I heard about the Gaiman story. If you haven't seen it, you should. Here's TIME's write-up about it: https://time.com/4683834/girls-sexual-harassment-matthew-rhys/

    Bobby
    Community Member
    16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We already established that thes women are going hard on people who support transpeople because they are transphobic and you give them more platform? For shame.

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    20 hours ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Carrie Henderson
    Community Member
    18 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are people going to praise Rowling for speaking out, that's the question.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    17 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Gaiman had assaulted/abused a trans woman, Rowling wouldn't be "speaking out" for the assaulted woman, because she doesn't consider trans women to actually be women (news flash: they ARE women.) AFAIK Gaiman did not assault/abuse any trans women, so it's a nonstarter as an actual issue, but Rowling is a blazing hypocrite and wouldn't be criticizing the "literary crowd's" response to the allegations if one or more of the victims were trans women.

    Load More Replies...
    Jackie
    Community Member
    19 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This comment has been deleted.

    Ben Aziza
    Community Member
    16 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why the f**k are words like sexual abusers and pedos censored... I had this debate 2 days ago... It serves nothing but make the necessary discussion harder to have. Man f**k censorship and everyone on BP who pushed for it and those who defend. Cus this is what can result from it... Ppl not able to express or expose these this evil!

    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    18 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The article says: “The one thing I hear again and again, largely from women, is ‘He was always nice to me. He was always a gentleman.’” So was my first boyfriend, who would pressure me for sex every chance he got and not take no for an answer.

    Sandra Angulo
    Community Member
    20 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here’s a free link to the full article from Vulture. It’s pretty bad so decide for yourself if you’d like to read it: https://archive.is/KGcpy

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    19 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just read the whole article. The comparison is quite apt.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    17 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I imagine the downvotes are because Rowling is a complete hypocrite. She is a TERF - she doesn't consider trans women as being "women" (she's wrong; they ARE women.) So when someone likes her speaks out about "sexual abuse against women" - it leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, because you know that if a transgender woman had been sexually abused by Gaiman, Rowling wouldn't even consider it "sexual abuse against women", because trans women aren't women in her mind. AFAIK no trans women were abused/assaulted by Gaiman, so it's a hypothetical, but Rowling has made her stance on sex and gender VERY clear, repeatedly. I personally find her to be a foul person for her views about trans people.

    Load More Replies...
    Phobrek
    Community Member
    7 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most people haven't even read the article yet, Rowling is jumping the gun in an effort to come off as righteous. That said, it's a devastating read and me and millions of other former Gaiman fans are about to start tossing his books. It's pretty clear that he's one of the worst monsters from his stories. And I doubt he'll spend a day in jail. It's all just sickening.

    Feelings are fake
    Community Member
    15 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, I thought BP hates JK. Please make up your mind; half of these people need you to tell them who to hate.

    CP
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People you don't like can still be correct about things. It would be a logical fallacy to say everything JKR says is wrong just because I don't like her.

    Load More Replies...
    GalPalAl
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have heard inklings about this from Neil Gaiman before. Often people don't realize that people in a position of power and notoriety often act out inappropriately. When people reach a certain level of perceived power, they often lost sight of reality and think they can demand whatever they want with no consequence. Talk about losing touch with reality.

    Nova Rook
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bored Panda could have raised this issue without framing it around Rowling.

    Enuya
    Community Member
    15 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but recently Bored Panda starts to turn right. Adding JKR to the mix is a nice setup for "redeeming" her in the future

    Load More Replies...
    R F.
    Community Member
    12 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once prosecuted and convicted, I’ll form an opinion on the man.

    TTorrest Author
    Community Member
    13 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know this episode of GIRLS was meant to mirror the Weinstein debacle, but I couldn't help but be instantly reminded of it when I heard about the Gaiman story. If you haven't seen it, you should. Here's TIME's write-up about it: https://time.com/4683834/girls-sexual-harassment-matthew-rhys/

    Bobby
    Community Member
    16 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We already established that thes women are going hard on people who support transpeople because they are transphobic and you give them more platform? For shame.

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    20 hours ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Carrie Henderson
    Community Member
    18 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are people going to praise Rowling for speaking out, that's the question.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    17 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Gaiman had assaulted/abused a trans woman, Rowling wouldn't be "speaking out" for the assaulted woman, because she doesn't consider trans women to actually be women (news flash: they ARE women.) AFAIK Gaiman did not assault/abuse any trans women, so it's a nonstarter as an actual issue, but Rowling is a blazing hypocrite and wouldn't be criticizing the "literary crowd's" response to the allegations if one or more of the victims were trans women.

    Load More Replies...
    Jackie
    Community Member
    19 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This comment has been deleted.

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