Neil Gaiman, the celebrated author of The Sandman and American Gods, has been accused of sexual assault, rape, and human trafficking in a lawsuit filed by his former babysitter, Scarlett Pavlovich. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, also names Gaiman’s estranged wife, musician Amanda Palmer, alleging she knowingly enabled the abuse.
Pavlovich, who worked as a live-in nanny for the couple on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, claims Gaiman exploited her vulnerable financial and mental health situation. According to the lawsuit, Gaiman subjected her to months of violent sexual abuse, including repeated rape, choking, and physical assault. He allegedly referred to her as his “slave” and demanded she call him “master.” Pavlovich claims she endured the abuse out of fear of losing her job, housing, and promised career support.
The lawsuit further alleges that Palmer was aware of Gaiman’s history of sexual misconduct and intentionally recruited Pavlovich, knowing she was economically insecure and struggling with mental health issues. Pavlovich claims she was not paid for her work until months after her employment ended, leaving her financially trapped.
From literary fame to legal turmoil – Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer face serious allegationsGetty Images
The allegations have significantly impacted Gaiman’s career, with publishers like HarperCollins and Dark Horse Comics distancing themselves from his work. Additionally, adaptations of his books, including The Graveyard Book, have been put on hold.
Neil Gaiman addresses recent allegations in a statement on his official blog acknowledging personal reflections while firmly denying claims of non-consensual misconductNeil Gaiman Website Journal
As the legal battle unfolds, Pavlovich’s case has sparked a firestorm of scrutiny over the power dynamics and exploitation that plague the entertainment industry. Her allegations against Gaiman and Palmer are not just a call for justice in her own case but a rallying cry for systemic change forcing the industry to confront uncomfortable truths about abuse, coercion, and the silencing of vulnerable voices. For survivors of abuse, Pavlovich’s courage in speaking out is a strong reminder that accountability is long overdue and that the fight for justice is far from over. The world is watching, and the time for reckoning is now.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.