Neil Gaiman faces a lawsuit in the United States. The first woman to come forward and accuse the best-selling author of sexual assault has filed a complaint against him and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer. In this episode she explains why she’s taking action. Neil Gaiman denies the allegations and says he has ‘never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.’

Reporter: Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Sound Design: Dominic Delargy

Artwork: Lola Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost a month since the investigation where two women came forward with allegations that the author Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted them - allegations he strenuously denied - more women have come forward. Including another woman made to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning and Matt Russell

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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The second woman to allege Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted her first met him as an 18-year-old fan. They began a consensual sexual relationship two years later. She alleges he was abusive and once penetrated her without her consent. He strenuously denies any unlawful behaviour and maintains all their sex was consensual.

Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

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New Zealand police tell the former nanny there isn’t enough evidence to actively pursue her sexual assault complaint against Neil Gaiman. He says he offered himself up for an interview with the police. But the facts may indicate otherwise.

Clip: 1968 interview with Neil Gaiman - BBC

Clip: Big Bang Theory, series 11, episode 21 - CBS/Warner Bros

Clip: Newsnight - BBC

Clip: William Morrow 2014

Clip: Politics and Prose bookstore 2013

Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

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The former nanny who alleges Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted her shares her WhatsApp messages with him. The messages appear friendly and affectionate. He says they’re evidence that she consented to sex with him. But is there another way of reading them?

Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil Gaiman is one of the world’s most successful authors. And one of the most loved. His works have been adapted for film, TV and the stage. Now two women, a former nanny and a fan, allege he sexually assaulted and abused them while they were in consensual relationships with him. He strenuously denies all the allegations.

Clip: The Sandman trailer - DDC comics / Netflix

Clip: The Ocean at the End of the Lane trailer - National theatre

Clip: The Simpsons - Disney

Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett

To find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists

Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.