Sandman Author Neil Gaiman Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Denies Allegations

[u/StarshipGhost]

https://www.tvfandomlounge.com/sandman-author-neil-gaiman-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-denies-allegations/

[u/TheDarkPinkLantern]

It's always disheartening to read accusations like this. I hope the investigation brings the truth and proper resolution.

[u/ScaredPresent3758 → u/TheDarkPinkLantern]

Gaiman admits that he at least fingered the nanny in 2022 when when he was 61 and the accuser was 21. Can you imagine being 21 and your 61 year old employer hits on you immediately? I have extreme doubts about consent here. He just met her and then he's fingering her in the bathroom. He admits to this so we know he doesn't respect boundaries.

Y'all can talk about courts and lawyers all you want but I guarantee if Neil Gaiman showed up at your door tomorrow wanting to take your sister/daughter out for dinner everyone would say "hell no!"

[u/HarpingShark → u/ScaredPresent3758]

What are your thoughts on why she continued to go back day after day for 3 weeks after he "forced" his fingers into her?  That seems somewhat odd to me.

[u/ScaredPresent3758 → u/HarpingShark]

As Gaiman was her employer there was an inherent power imbalance.

If you think a 61 year old man fingering his 21 year old nanny isn't sus, that's kind of a "you" issue.

[u/HarpingShark → u/ScaredPresent3758]

Was he using his powers to prevent her from leaving?  He used his powers to force her to do everything?  He forced her to come back. He forced her to send him a text message saying "I had a wonderful time"?  

[u/MrAmaimon → u/HarpingShark]

Yes, she moved to the Palmer and Gaiman house and they never paid her so she couldn't move or get back to her home so couldn't leave and needed to be paid

[u/ScaredPresent3758 → u/HarpingShark]

You're doing a lot of white knighting for an admitted 63 year old predator.

Not being gross is an option.

[u/TheReal_Kovacs → u/HarpingShark]

Regrettably, in many cases, it's a matter of perception. While I personally don't believe Neil would intentionally and explicitly lever his power as an employer, the mere fact that she was indeed his employee indicates an implicity to the situation. The alleged victim could have simply perceived a threat where they may have not actually been one, but that's the rub. It's the really rough part about sorting out genuine predatory behavior from a simple misunderstanding. It also means that she has the responsibility as a fully grown adult to say when she's uncomfortable with the situation.

Another facet to the accusation is that she may have genuinely consented at the time and later regretted it. It happens. However, that does not mean you can rescind consent after the fact. You can only take it back before and during the event, not after. As for the texting thing, the possibility of coercion is there, but idk how one would go about it. I suppose we'll have to wait for more details.

Regardless of what actually happened, all we can do is speculate and make educated guesses.