Placing art and profit above abuse victims: the lack of action by Netflix in addressing allegations against Neil Gaiman

In August 2024, Tortoise Media released a series of podcast episodes where four women alleged that best-selling author, Neil Gaiman had abused them, emotionally and sexually.   

Since the podcast was released, more women have come forward. Eight in total have now made public accusations. 

Neil Gaiman has denied all the claims, saying he has "never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever". 

He is best known for works like The Sandman and Coraline and has long been dubbed a “creative genius”. He has a very large following and committed fan base.  

Since the allegations came to light, several of Neil Gaiman’s film and TV projects have been affected. Disney has paused its film adaptation of his work, The Graveyard Book.  

However, last week, Netflix confirmed it still plans to release the second and now final season of The Sandman, based on his comic book of the same name. Variety reports that the company refused to respond to requests from journalists about Neil Gaiman.  

Frankly, the lack of response from Netflix has been disappointing, especially for an organisation which has commissioned documentaries exposing powerful men. The decision to continue The Sandman confirms that influential men can still evade repercussions for their alleged actions, but this isn’t unique or new. 

When the allegations against Harvey Weinstein led to the #MeToo movement it felt like a seismic moment of real change and that powerful men would finally be held to account. But it appears film and TV still have a long way to go. 

Last week, the BBC apologised for what it called “failures” in dealing with actor and comedian, Russell Brand’s alleged abusive behaviour. 

He also has denied all the allegations against him and said any relationships he had were "always consensual". 

By not addressing the Neil Gaiman claims, Netflix may make survivors of other similarly alleged abusers feel their voices are being silenced. It is both frustrating and deeply discouraging for anyone who has experienced abuse.   

Long overdue apologies from TV and film companies are getting tedious for those calling for change. For now, it seems some are more focused on profit, than ensuring powerful men who face accusations of sexual abuse are deprived of public space until those allegations have been properly heard.