Publishers, Agency Distance Themselves From Neil Gaiman Amid Assault Allegations
Acclaimed British author Neil Gaiman is facing significant fallout following multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment, with publishers and an agency that previously handled his speaking engagements distancing themselves from the writer, The Associated Press reports.
Dark Horse Comics announced last weekend via X (formerly Twitter) that it has ceased publication of the illustrated series based on Gaiman’s novel, “Anansi Boys.” The seventh of eight planned editions was released earlier this month, but the publisher said:
“Dark Horse takes seriously the allegations against Neil Gaiman and we are no longer publishing his works.”
While the statement was released, Gaiman’s books remain listed on the Dark Horse website.
The allegations against Gaiman, known for bestsellers such as “Coraline” and “The Sandman” series, first surfaced last summer on a Tortoise Media podcast. A more extensive report in New York Magazine in January detailed accounts from eight women alleging assault, abuse, and coercion. Gaiman responded to these allegations with a blog post, denying any wrongdoing.
“Like most of us, I’m learning, and I’m trying to do the work needed, and I know that that’s not an overnight process,” Gaiman wrote. “At the same time, as I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don’t accept there was any abuse.”
Other publishers are also taking action. HarperCollins and W.W. Norton have stated they will not be publishing any future books by Gaiman. Bloomsbury, another publisher Gaiman has worked with, has declined to comment on the matter.
Adding to the growing list of entities distancing themselves, the Stephen Barclay Agency, previously listed on Gaiman’s website as the contact for personal appearances, no longer includes the author on its client list. A request for comment from the Stephen Barclay Agency was not immediately returned.
In the entertainment sector, Disney has reportedly paused production of a planned adaptation of Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book,” while Netflix is still moving forward with a second season of its series adaptation of “The Sandman.”
