Neil Gaiman Breaks Silence for First Time Since Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Calls Them a 'Smear Campaign' - The Internet Weighs In

Neil Gaiman has broken his silence. The author has publicly rejected sexual misconduct allegations for the first time in nearly a year, describing them as a coordinated smear campaign. But what exactly happened here?

Gaiman, 65, is the author of many literary works including American Gods and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. In July 2024, allegations of sexual abuse and coercive behaviour involving Gaiman were detailed in a podcast investigation by the Tortoise Media team. The claims brought negative attention to the writer's personal conduct and professional standing.

In January 2025, New York Magazine published its own investigation into the allegations. Following that report, Gaiman issued a statement asserting that he had 'never engaged in nonconsensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever'. At least nine women have accused him of sexual misconduct, including Scarlett Pavlovich, a former nanny to Gaiman and his wife, musician Amanda Palmer, with whom he shares a son and is currently divorcing.

Gaiman's First Extended Response

On 3 February 2026, Gaiman posted on his public pages to address the allegations in detail for the first time since they became public, aside from a book-related post in November. He stated that he had 'learned first-hand how effective a smear campaign can be' and said the accusations against him were 'completely and simply untrue'. He claimed there were emails, text messages, and video evidence that contradicted the allegations.

Gaiman wrote that the allegations had been 'spread and amplified' by people more interested in 'outrage and getting clicks' than establishing whether events had taken place. He added that the most extreme claims had circulated widely despite what he described as a lack of factual basis. Gaiman said he believed some reporting had functioned as an echo chamber rather than a balanced assessment of available material.

In his post, Gaiman said he had expected journalistic investigations to consider what he described as substantial evidence. He expressed surprise that, in his view, this evidence had been dismissed or ignored in much of the coverage. Gaiman stated that a belief that 'the truth would, eventually, come out' had sustained him during the period following publication of the allegations.

Professional Consequences and Return To Writing

Since the allegations emerged, Gaiman has faced professional fallout across multiple projects. Comic publisher Dark Horse ended its association with him, while DC Comics removed a planned reprint of The Sandman from its publishing schedule. A stage adaptation of his children's book Coraline was also cancelled roughly a year ago following the claims.

Despite the controversy, Gaiman said he had resumed writing. He revealed that he was close to completing a new novel. In his message, he thanked supporters who had expressed belief in his innocence and support for his work.

Online Reaction and Divided Public Response

Reaction online to Gaiman's statement was immediate and hostile in many cases. Critical comments accused him of deflecting responsibility, questioned the timing of mentioning new work, and objected to how he framed criticism as bad-faith outrage. Some posts expressed anger at his supporters, while others rejected his claims outright and described his response as dismissive.

Other online responses focused on the tone and structure of Gaiman's statement, noting that comments were disabled on some platforms where it was shared. Several reactions referenced the number of accusers and criticised what they saw as attempts to control the narrative.