Much has changed for bestselling English author Neil Gaiman in the past three months. Having been named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2023, the prolific writer was continuing his output of books for passionate fans and had Hollywood studios and streaming services adapting yet more of his imaginative fantasy works for the screen.

But sexual misconduct allegations by five women in a podcast in July and August have led those studios and streamers to reassess their relationship with the writer.

Disney has paused a plan for a movie adaptation of The Graveyard Book, Netflix has decided not to renew the series Dead Boy Detectives and pre-production has paused on the final season of Prime Video’s Good Omens.

The podcast Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman detailed claims by five women about sexual misconduct by him, including sexual assault, which he has strenuously denied.

WHY SHOULD I KNOW NEIL GAIMAN?

Gaiman’s superstar writing career extends to graphic novels (including The Sandman series for DC Comics), fantasy novels (Good Omens with Terry Pratchett, Neverwhere, Stardust, American Gods, The Ocean At The End of the Lane) and children’s literature (Coraline, The Graveyard Book). He is also a scriptwriter (Neverwhere, Doctor Who, American Gods, Good Omens, The Sandman) whose work has been adapted by others for film and TV (Stardust, Coraline, How to Talk to Girls at Parties).

Having won many awards around the world and receiving five honorary degrees, Gaiman was a goodwill ambassador for the UN refugee agency, a public supporter of women’s rights and a campaigner against sexual abuse.

In 2019, he married Dresdan Dolls singer, songwriter and author Amanda Palmer. They announced their divorce in 2022.