Author Neil Gaiman responded to the sexual assault allegations against him, circulating on the internet.
In a statement released Tuesday, the best-selling author said that he watched, as the stories about him spread online, with “horror and dismay.” He said that he had stayed silent out of respect for the people who shared their stories, and out of a “desire not to draw even more attention to a lot of misinformation.”
Additionally, Gaiman mentioned that he had always tried to be a private person; adding that he felt like social media was not the right place to discuss personal matters. However, he stated that he has now reached a point where he feels like he should say something.
“As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I don’t, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen. I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever,” Gaiman said.
The author said that he read the messages that he exchanged with the women who alleged that he was abusive. Gaiman reiterated that the messages were of two people having entirely consensual sexual relationships. Despite this, he assured that he is trying to do the work needed. With the help of good people, Gaiman said he believes that will continue to grow.
“I understand that not everyone will believe me or even care what I say but I’ll be doing the work anyway, for myself, my family and the people I love. I will be doing my very best to deserve their trust, as well as the trust of my readers,” he said.
While he acknowledged and named his shortcomings, Gaiman denied some of the moments described by the women who came forward with their stories. The author also denied that abuse was ever at play.
“At the same time, as I reflect on my past – and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged – I don't accept there was any abuse. To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone,” Gaiman stated.
“Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality. I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made,” he added.
“I’m not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I can't accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didn't do,” he ended.
On Tuesday, U.S. media outlets reported that Gaiman had been entangled in a new string of sexual assault allegations, as more women have spoken up about their experiences.
