In a significant legal development, federal judges in the United States have dismissed three lawsuits that accused renowned fantasy author Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting his former nanny, Scarlett Pavlovich. The allegations, which date back to 2022 in New Zealand, have been deemed inappropriate for US jurisdiction, leading to the dismissal of all claims against Gaiman and his wife, Amanda Palmer.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Scarlett Pavlovich, who worked as the couple’s nanny, filed her initial lawsuit against Gaiman in Wisconsin in February 2025. In her claims, she alleged multiple instances of sexual assault during her employment in 2022. On the same day as the Wisconsin filing, she also lodged lawsuits against Palmer in Massachusetts and New York, citing the complexities of jurisdiction due to Palmer’s recent move.
Court documents reveal that Pavlovich’s relationship with Gaiman began in 2020 when she met Palmer while homeless in Auckland. She subsequently became their son’s caregiver. According to Pavlovich, the alleged assaults commenced on the night of their initial meeting and continued throughout her employment. Despite these claims, she has stated that financial pressures compelled her to remain in the role, as Gaiman purportedly offered to assist her with her writing aspirations.
Court Decisions and Dismissals
In a series of rulings, courts have consistently indicated that the appropriate venue for these claims lies in New Zealand. In June, US District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil in New York granted Pavlovich’s request to withdraw her case against Palmer, affirming the jurisdictional issues. Subsequently, in October, US District Judge James Peterson dismissed the remainder of the Wisconsin lawsuit, echoing the sentiment that New Zealand should handle the allegations.
Most recently, on Friday, US District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston dismissed the Massachusetts lawsuit, again citing jurisdictional reasons. The legal teams representing Gaiman and Palmer have not provided comments on these developments, and attempts to reach out to Pavlovich’s lawyers have gone unanswered.
Background and Reactions
Pavlovich has publicly identified herself as one of several women who have accused Gaiman of sexual misconduct, having shared her story in an interview with New York magazine in January 2025. The article highlighted allegations from multiple women regarding assault and coercive behaviour, culminating in a complex narrative of abuse and manipulation.
Gaiman has firmly denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual encounters. His representatives have countered Pavlovich’s claims by asserting that their relationship was consensual and characterised by a brief personal connection. They also highlighted a New Zealand police investigation that reportedly found the allegations to be without merit, framing the lawsuits as an orchestrated attempt to tarnish Gaiman’s reputation.
The Author’s Legacy
Neil Gaiman is an acclaimed author known for his contributions to contemporary fantasy literature, with notable works including *American Gods*, *Coraline*, and *The Ocean at the End of the Lane*, which won the National Book Award in Britain. His literary achievements have garnered a dedicated following, but these recent allegations have raised questions about his personal life and relationships.
Why it Matters
The dismissal of these lawsuits underscores the complexities involved in legal jurisdiction, particularly in cases that span multiple countries. As allegations of sexual misconduct continue to surface across various sectors, the outcomes of such legal battles not only impact the individuals involved but also shape broader conversations about accountability and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice in instances of alleged abuse, while also serving as a reminder of the challenges inherent in navigating such intricate legal landscapes.
