US judges dismiss suits accusing author Neil Gaiman of NZ sexual assault

Three lawsuits alleging sexual assault against bestselling author Neil Gaiman have been dismissed by U.S. Federal judges. The suits were filed by Scarlett Pavlovich, who accused Gaiman and his wife, Amanda Palmer, of assault and related offenses stemming from her employment as the family’s nanny.

Legal Challenges and Dismissals

Scarlett Pavlovich initially filed a lawsuit against Gaiman in Wisconsin in February 2025, alleging multiple sexual assaults during her time as a nanny in 2022. Simultaneously, she filed separate lawsuits against Amanda Palmer in Massachusetts and New York, citing concerns about jurisdictional boundaries as Palmer had recently relocated.

Did You Know? Pavlovich alleged she was 22 years old and experiencing homelessness when she first met Amanda Palmer in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2020.

The courts have consistently ruled that the legal proceedings should occur in New Zealand, where the alleged incidents took place. Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil dismissed the New York lawsuit after Pavlovich voluntarily moved to drop it, acknowledging the jurisdictional issue. Judges James Peterson in Wisconsin and Nathaniel Gorton in Massachusetts followed suit, citing the need for the case to be litigated in New Zealand.

Gaiman and Palmer’s Response

Attorneys representing Gaiman and Palmer have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the dismissals. However, court filings reveal Gaiman’s legal team argued a consensual relationship existed with Pavlovich, and that New Zealand police previously investigated and deemed the allegations meritless. They also suggested the lawsuits were part of a deliberate effort to damage Gaiman’s reputation.

Expert Insight: The dismissal of these cases on jurisdictional grounds highlights the complexities of international legal disputes. The courts prioritized the location where the alleged events occurred, underscoring the principle that legal matters are best addressed within the relevant legal framework.

Pavlovich’s lawsuits further alleged that Palmer was aware of Gaiman’s alleged behavior and knowingly facilitated encounters. She sought at least US$7 million in damages, claiming violations of federal human trafficking prohibitions. Gaiman, through his legal team, has denied all allegations of non-consensual sexual contact.

What Might Happen Next

With the U.S. Lawsuits dismissed, Pavlovich could potentially pursue legal action in New Zealand. However, this would require her to navigate the New Zealand legal system and meet its evidentiary standards. It is also possible she may choose not to pursue the case further. The outcome of any potential New Zealand proceedings remains uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the core allegations made by Scarlett Pavlovich?

Scarlett Pavlovich alleged multiple sexual assaults by Neil Gaiman while she was employed as the family’s nanny in 2022, and further alleged Amanda Palmer knowingly facilitated these assaults.

Why were the lawsuits dismissed in the United States?

The U.S. Courts dismissed the lawsuits on jurisdictional grounds, determining that the alleged incidents occurred in New Zealand and therefore should be litigated there.

What was Neil Gaiman’s response to the allegations?

Neil Gaiman, through his attorneys, denied the allegations and asserted a consensual relationship with Pavlovich. His legal team also argued the lawsuits were an attempt to damage his reputation.

What role does jurisdiction play in international legal cases like this one?