Federal Judges Dismiss Lawsuits Accusing Neil Gaiman of Sexual Assault

Lawsuits filed in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New York against the fantasy author and his wife Amanda Palmer have been dismissed.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal judges have dismissed three lawsuits accusing bestselling British fantasy author Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting his children's nanny in New Zealand four years ago. Scarlett Pavlovich filed the lawsuits against Gaiman and his wife Amanda Palmer in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New York, alleging multiple sexual assaults while she worked as the family's nanny in 2022. The judges ruled that the cases should be pursued in New Zealand, where the alleged incidents took place, rather than in the United States.

Why it matters

The dismissal of these lawsuits against a high-profile author like Neil Gaiman highlights the complexities of pursuing legal action across international borders, especially in cases involving allegations of sexual assault. It also raises questions about how such cases are investigated and adjudicated when they involve public figures.

The details

Scarlett Pavlovich, who was 22 years old and homeless when she met Palmer in Auckland, New Zealand in 2020, alleged that Gaiman sexually assaulted her on the night they met in February 2022 and that the assaults continued. She claimed she kept working for the couple because she was broke and homeless, and Gaiman had told her he would help her writing career. Pavlovich also alleged that Palmer knew of Gaiman's sexual desires and presented her to him, knowing he would assault her. The judges dismissed the lawsuits, ruling that the case should be pursued in New Zealand, where the alleged incidents took place.

  • Pavlovich filed the lawsuits against Gaiman and Palmer in February 2025.
  • Pavlovich dropped the New York lawsuit against Palmer in May 2025.
  • Pavlovich dropped the portion of the Wisconsin lawsuit against Palmer in May 2025.
  • U.S. District Judge James Peterson in Madison dismissed the rest of the Wisconsin lawsuit in October 2025.
  • U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston threw out the Massachusetts filing on February 7, 2026.

The players

Neil Gaiman

A bestselling British fantasy author known for novels such as "American Gods," "The Graveyard Book," and "Coraline."

Amanda Palmer

Gaiman's wife, who lives in Massachusetts.

Scarlett Pavlovich

A 22-year-old woman who worked as the nanny for Gaiman and Palmer's family in New Zealand and filed lawsuits accusing Gaiman of sexual assault.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Gaiman has denied he has ever engaged in non-consensual sex with anyone.”

— Neil Gaiman (New York magazine)

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of pursuing legal action across international borders, especially in sensitive cases involving allegations of sexual assault against public figures. The dismissal of the lawsuits by U.S. judges suggests the courts believe the appropriate venue for this case is in New Zealand, where the alleged incidents took place.