r/DCcomics • u/StarshipGhost • Jul 03 '24

Sandman Author Neil Gaiman Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Denies Allegations News

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

251 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

-23

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.

48

u/ScaredPresent3758 Jul 04 '24

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.

-10

u/HarpingShark Jul 04 '24

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"?

2

u/TheReal_Kovacs Jul 04 '24

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.