Exclusive: Neil Gaiman accused of sexual assault - Tortoise

Neil Gaiman is facing allegations of sexual assault from two women he was in consensual relationships with. He is also the focus of a police investigation in New Zealand.

Gaiman is adamant that he did not engage in any non-consensual sexual activity with the women accusing him. He also stated that despite offering to cooperate with New Zealand police regarding one woman's complaint in 2022, they did not take him up on his offer. This, according to Gaiman, demonstrates that the complaint lacks credibility.

Nevertheless, the New Zealand authorities have stated that they have tried multiple times to communicate with important individuals involved in this investigation and are still working on it. They also mentioned that there are several aspects to consider in this case, including the whereabouts of all individuals involved.

The accusations cover a period of twenty years and involve young women who interacted with Gaiman - a popular 63-year-old author known for works like The Sandman, Good Omens, and American Gods. These encounters include instances where he was the nanny to their child and when they were fans of his writing.

First episode: Taking a bath

Episode two: the messages on WhatsApp

Article three: the small body of water

• Fourth installment: the follower

The women's claims were initially discussed in Tortoise's podcast 'Master: the accusations against Neil Gaiman', which came out on Wednesday. The series consists of four parts where the women share stories of unpleasant and demeaning sexual encounters with the writer, which they claim were not always agreed upon.

Many instances of sexual assault occur between people who know each other, but most of these cases are not reported or prosecuted. This is often because people believe that if someone is in a relationship with their attacker, they must have given consent. Even though the law states that consent is necessary for every sexual act, some individuals mistakenly think that being in a relationship means automatic consent.

Scarlett, who is 23 years old, claims that Gaiman sexually attacked her shortly after they met for the first time in February 2022 while in a bath at his home in New Zealand, where she was working as a nanny for his child. Tortoise has been informed that Gaiman says they simply "hugged" and "kissed" in the bath and that he had permission to do so. He maintains that, during their three-week sexual relationship, they only engaged in consensual digital penetration.

Scarlett claims that during their consensual relationship, Gaiman participated in forceful and degrading sexual activities with her. Tortoise has reviewed messages, notes, and spoken with Scarlett's friends from that time that corroborate her claims.

The second woman, K, was 18 years old when she first met Gaiman at a book signing in Sarasota, Florida in 2003. Their romantic relationship began two years later when she turned 20, while Gaiman was in his mid-40s. However, she claims that the sex they had was rough and painful, and that she did not want or enjoy it. K also alleges that Gaiman penetrated her against her wishes while she was dealing with a painful infection. Gaiman denies any wrongdoing and is troubled by K's accusations.

Tortoise thinks that K is making up lies about their relationship out of regret, and that Scarlett was experiencing false memories when they were together, even though there is no evidence of this in her medical records or history.

Gaiman has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world. Known for introducing comics to a worldwide audience, he is often referred to as "the most beloved living writer." His work has been transformed into popular Netflix and Amazon mini-series, Hollywood movies, and productions on the West End. He recently gave the final Tolkien Lecture at Oxford University and was the chosen speaker to kick off the newest season of the Queen's Reading Room podcast.

First Episode: The Bath

Neil Gaiman is known as a highly accomplished writer on a global scale. He is widely adored by many. His stories have been turned into movies, TV shows, and plays. However, two women, one of whom used to work as a nanny and the other a fan, claim that he sexually attacked and mistreated them while they were in mutually agreed upon relationships with him. Gaiman strongly refutes these accusations.

Whatsapps Episode Two

The ex-nanny who claims Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted her has revealed her WhatsApp messages with him. The messages seem warm and loving. He argues they show she agreed to have sex with him. However, is there a different interpretation of the messages?

"Exploring The Pond: Episode 3"

The New Zealand police have informed the former nanny that they do not have sufficient evidence to further investigate her sexual assault allegation against Neil Gaiman. Gaiman claims he willingly agreed to be interviewed by the police, but the evidence suggests otherwise.

Fan Fever: Episode Four

The second woman accusing Neil Gaiman of sexual assault says she first met him when she was 18 years old and a fan. They started a sexual relationship two years later, but she claims he was abusive and forced himself on her without her permission. Gaiman strongly denies any wrongdoing and insists that all of their sexual encounters were consensual.