Neil Gaiman, the famed author of The Sandman, is being sued by his former nanny, Scarlett Pavlovich, who alleges that he subjected her to sexual abuse, assault, rape, and coercion while she worked for him and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer, in New Zealand.
Pavlovich has filed a federal lawsuit under the Trafficking Victim Protection Act, accusing Gaiman of human trafficking, claiming that she was manipulated into providing unpaid labor and sexual services.
Pavlovich, who was 22 when she met Palmer in 2020, said she was recruited by the couple to work for them in Waiheke, New Zealand.
She claims that she was “economically insecure” and struggling with mental health challenges, which Palmer knew.
The lawsuit alleges that Gaiman first raped Pavlovich in February 2022, when she was asked to babysit the couple’s child.
She further describes multiple instances of sexual violence, which she claims occurred during her time working for the couple.
According to the lawsuit, Pavlovich was told she would be compensated for her work, but was not paid until months after her employment ended.

The complaint accuses Palmer of recruiting Pavlovich with the intention of obtaining her uncompensated labor, describing Pavlovich as an “economic hostage” to the couple.
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Pavlovich claims Gaiman coerced her into performing sexual acts by leading her to believe that not complying would result in harm or physical restraint.
The lawsuit also includes allegations against Amanda Palmer, stating that she was aware of the danger Gaiman posed but failed to warn Pavlovich.
Palmer allegedly even told Gaiman to stay away from Pavlovich before bringing her into their home to babysit.
Pavlovich is seeking damages for emotional distress, physical well-being, career losses, and punitive damages, which are estimated to exceed $1 million.
The allegations have had immediate repercussions for Gaiman’s career, with Dark Horse Comics pulling his works, and Netflix’s The Sandman series set to end with its second season.