Palmer knew of Gaiman’s sexual desires and presented Pavlovich to him, knowing he would assault her, according to the lawsuits. Pavlovich alleges Gaiman and Palmer violated federal human trafficking prohibitions and is seeking at least $US7 million ($11.1 million) in damages.
After the New York Magazine article was published, Gaiman released a statement in January denying he had ever engaged in non-consensual sex. The allegations of four of the women were previously broadcast in July in a Tortoise Media podcast.
“I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever,” Gaiman posted on the social media platform Tumblr.
Representatives for Gaiman and Palmer did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and online court records did not list attorneys representing them in the suits. Pavlovich’s attorneys stated in the filings that Gaiman, author of such bestsellers as Coraline and The Sandman series, lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin. But they’re unsure if Palmer resides in Massachusetts or New York.
Pavlovich told New York Magazine that she filed a police report in January 2023 accusing Gaiman of sexual assault. Police have not confirmed whether Gaiman was ever under investigation.
Two of the numerous publishers who have worked with Gaiman over the years, HarperCollins and W.W. Norton, have said they have no plans to release his books in the future. Others have so far declined comment.
Dark Horse Comics announced in January that it would no longer release its illustrated series based on Gaiman’s novel, Anansi Boys. The seventh of eight editions was released earlier that month.
Disney has paused a planned adaptation of Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, while Netflix is still scheduled to release a second season based on The Sandman.
Gaiman and Palmer married in 2011 but announced their divorce in 2022.
AP
