Neil Gaiman accused of sexual assault: Why his wife Amanda Palmer left him

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Amanda Palmer, a musician and performance artist, married Neil Gaiman, the celebrated author of works like American Gods and The Sandman, in 2011. The couple’s marriage was unconventional from the start. They publicly discussed having an open marriage, a topic that invited both admiration and criticism. Gaiman and Palmer were often candid about the challenges of balancing their creative lives with the demands of marriage and parenthood.

Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer’s marriage was one of the most publicized unions in the literary and artistic worlds. Their creative synergy, open discussions on personal topics, and shared love for pushing boundaries in their respective fields made them a compelling pair. However, their relationship officially ended in November 2022, marking the conclusion of 11 years of marriage. The reasons behind their split, while layered, include issues of personal boundaries, public scrutiny, and allegations that have surfaced in Gaiman’s personal life.

Amanda Palmer, a musician and performance artist, married Neil Gaiman, the celebrated author of works like

American Gods

and

The Sandman

, in 2011. The couple’s marriage was unconventional from the start. They publicly discussed having an open marriage, a topic that invited both admiration and criticism. Gaiman and Palmer were often candid about the challenges of balancing their creative lives with the demands of marriage and parenthood.

However, their relationship began showing cracks during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Gaiman’s decision to travel from New Zealand to the Isle of Skye—breaking lockdown protocols—drew significant public attention. Palmer, who remained in New Zealand with their son, made cryptic social media posts hinting at tension. While the couple reconciled temporarily after this episode, it was clear that the strain on their relationship was mounting.

In late 2022, Palmer and Gaiman announced their divorce. While the announcement was framed as amicable, it left many fans wondering about the deeper reasons behind their separation. The couple emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their son and maintaining a friendship, but the specifics of their breakup were not fully disclosed.

Open Marriages Can Never And Should Never Work

Palmer’s departure from the marriage appeared to be influenced by both personal and external factors. The open nature of their relationship, while celebrated for its honesty, may have also created vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the intense public scrutiny that followed Gaiman’s actions during the pandemic added a layer of strain.

Adding a controversial dimension to the story are the allegations against Neil Gaiman that surfaced in early 2025. Multiple women came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct and assault, bringing renewed attention to Gaiman’s personal life. These allegations, though unproven, have significantly impacted Gaiman’s reputation. Some of the accusations involve power imbalances in professional settings, with claims that Gaiman leveraged his influence inappropriately. While he has yet to publicly address these allegations comprehensively, they cast a shadow over his career and personal relationships.

Gaiman and Palmer’s relationship was uniquely positioned at the intersection of art, literature, and modern media. Their openness about topics like polyamory, mental health, and creative struggles endeared them to fans but also exposed them to intense scrutiny. Social media, in particular, played a significant role in amplifying both support and criticism.

During the pandemic, Palmer’s social media posts—including a now-deleted blog post about feeling abandoned—hinted at deeper personal struggles. While the couple’s public personas suggested resilience and mutual understanding, it became increasingly clear that their private life was fraught with challenges. The scrutiny likely added pressure to an already strained relationship, making reconciliation difficult.

Since the divorce, Palmer has focused on her music and activism. She has spoken about the importance of self-care and boundaries, themes that resonate with her fans. While she has not explicitly commented on the allegations against Gaiman, her post-divorce interviews suggest a desire to distance herself from negativity and focus on personal growth.

In one interview, Palmer emphasized the difficulty of navigating public and private life as a couple in the spotlight. “When you share your life so openly, it’s easy for people to assume they know the full story,” she said. “But relationships are complex, and sometimes, stepping away is the healthiest choice.”

The end of Gaiman and Palmer’s marriage highlights broader conversations about the complexities of modern relationships. From the challenges of maintaining an open marriage to the impact of public scrutiny, their story reflects the difficulties many couples face—albeit on a much larger stage.

The allegations against Gaiman add another layer to this narrative, raising questions about accountability, consent, and the power dynamics often present in creative industries. As these allegations continue to unfold, they may influence how Gaiman’s work is perceived and how future collaborations are approached.

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