New York, NY – Renowned author Neil Gaiman and his ex-wife, musician Amanda Palmer, are facing a federal lawsuit filed by a former nanny, alleging sexual assault, human trafficking, and abuse. The lawsuit, which seeks $7 million in damages, accuses the couple of engaging in years of sexual misconduct, coercion, and psychological manipulation.
According to AP News, the lawsuit claims that Gaiman and Palmer repeatedly assaulted the plaintiff while she was employed as their live-in nanny. The plaintiff, whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons, alleges that she was recruited under false pretenses, trafficked across state lines, and subjected to ongoing abuse.
USA Today reported that the lawsuit details multiple incidents of sexual violence, with the accuser alleging that she was manipulated into non-consensual encounters while under the couple’s employment. She further claims that Palmer played a complicit role in enabling the abuse and that she was threatened with retaliation if she ever spoke out.
According to MSN, the lawsuit also alleges violations of human trafficking laws, stating that the plaintiff was forced to travel with Gaiman and Palmer while enduring continuous exploitation. Legal experts suggest that if proven, these claims could result in severe legal consequences for the accused.
In response to the allegations, Gaiman and Palmer have denied any wrongdoing. The Guardian reported that Gaiman’s legal team dismissed the lawsuit as “a baseless attack on his reputation”, while Palmer described the accusations as “categorically false.”
The lawsuit has sent shockwaves through the literary and entertainment worlds, with The Hollywood Reporter highlighting the potential impact on Gaiman’s career, particularly his work in television adaptations and publishing. The author, best known for The Sandman, American Gods, and Coraline, has been a major figure in the fantasy and sci-fi literary genres for decades.
The Times reported that legal analysts expect a high-profile court battle, as Gaiman and Palmer’s defense team is likely to challenge the credibility of the allegations and dispute the timeline of events presented in the lawsuit.
Variety noted that public reaction has been swift and polarizing, with some fans expressing disbelief while advocacy groups call for further investigations into the couple’s past conduct.
Vulture reported that while Gaiman has not made any public appearances since the lawsuit surfaced, Palmer briefly addressed the allegations on social media, calling them “deeply disturbing” but insisting on her innocence.
With legal proceedings now underway, the case is expected to draw significant media attention, raising questions about power dynamics, accountability, and the treatment of employees in high-profile creative industries.
