In a response to shocking allegations of sexual misconduct, best-selling author Neil Gaiman has firmly denied accusations of sexual abuse made against him by multiple women. The claims were detailed in a revealing article published by New York Magazine this week.

Gaiman took to his website to declare that he did not engage in any “nonconsensual sexual activity.” He cited reasons for his initial silence, claiming it was to avoid contributing to the spread of “misinformation.” Furthermore, Gaiman characterized his encounters with the women making accusations as “entirely consensual.”

The allegations surrounding Gaiman began appearing last summer when several women made claims on a podcast from Tortoise Media. The recent New York Magazine article expanded on these allegations with harrowing testimonials from multiple women. They accused Gaiman of sexual assault, including deeply troubling incidents such as forcing them into acts against their will, and disturbing behaviors while his young son was allegedly present.

Prominent figures in the literary community, including J.K. Rowling, Jeff VanderMeer, and Maureen Johnson, voiced their condemnation of Gaiman's alleged actions and criticized the literary community's lackluster response. The fallout has sparked discussions about whether certain awards should be rescinded or if bookstores should cease to carry his works, which include notable titles such as “American Gods” and “The Graveyard Book.” Fans have expressed their outrage, pledging to stop reading or purchasing his books.

While some projects associated with Gaiman have been dropped, the reaction from his publishers, agents, and collaborators has been muted. HarperCollins and Marvel, who have previously partnered with him, confirmed no upcoming releases featuring Gaiman, though they did not elaborate on the situation.

Katherine Kendall, one of the women interviewed for the New York Magazine piece, recalled a troubling encounter with Gaiman when she was a volunteer at one of his events. She described how Gaiman, whom she idolized as a young girl, behaved inappropriately, pushing her into a compromising position and demanding she kiss him in a suggestive manner.

The article notes that Gaiman reportedly gave Kendall a large sum of money for therapy, suggesting an attempt to address the fallout of his actions.

Gaiman did not address the specifics of each allegation in his statement but claimed to have reviewed past communications with the women, suggesting they reflected consensual relationships that were “positive and happy.”

However, the reactions to Gaiman’s statement have been colored by disappointment from the women who have come forward. They feel that the silence from his publishers and the broader literary community allows Gaiman to maintain access to vulnerable individuals. Kendra Stout revealed her own disturbing experiences and mentioned filing a police report alleging rape.

Booksellers have also found themselves caught in a dilemma about whether to continue with Gaiman's books. Some are opting to reduce visibility, only ordering titles on request to avoid discomfort for customers, while others aim to maintain sales based on demand.

Authors on social media have expressed a range of emotions from disbelief to condemnation. Friends of Gaiman like Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon admitted they were still processing the implications of the reports.

Amanda Palmer, Gaiman's former partner, issued a statement through a spokesperson, emphasizing her focus on her child's well-being while refraining from discussing the allegations.

In the aftermath of Gaiman's public denial, some supporters of the accusers reiterated their feelings of letdown, stating that they felt the author’s response mirrored the insincere apologies often seen in similar situations. They are calling for a deeper impact and acknowledgment of the weight of these allegations and the consequences that should follow.