Disney Halts ‘The Graveyard Book’ Film Amid Neil Gaiman Assault Allegations

Disney is placing a hold on its adaptation of “The Graveyard Book” due to sexual assault allegations against the book’s author, Neil Gaiman.

The film, directed by Marc Forster and produced by Pinewood Studios, is not permanently canceled but development has been paused. Various reasons contributed to this decision, including the allegations against Gaiman.

Published in 2008, “The Graveyard Book” tells the story of a young boy raised by graveyard ghosts after his family is murdered. The film had not yet entered pre-production and there was no confirmed casting. Gaiman was not involved in the film’s development.

According to a July 3 report by Tortoise Media, Gaiman, creator of “Sandman,” has been accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman referred to as K in 2003, and a 23-year-old woman named Scarlett in 2022.

Scarlett alleges that Gaiman sexually assaulted her while she was working as his child’s nanny at his home in New Zealand. Per Tortoise’s report, Gaiman admits to cuddling and making out in the bath but insists it was consensual. He acknowledges a three-week consensual sexual relationship, involving only digital penetration. Scarlett claims that within this relationship, Gaiman engaged in rough and degrading penetrative acts, which she did not consent to.

This led to a police complaint against Gaiman in New Zealand, where authorities are currently investigating.

The other woman, K, alleges she met Gaiman at a book signing in Sarasota, Florida, in 2003, when she was 18. Her claims involve a romantic relationship with Gaiman, where rough and painful sex occurred that she neither wanted nor enjoyed. Gaiman was in his mid-40s at the time. He denies any unlawful behavior with K.

Tortoise released a podcast series detailing the allegations, which prompted three additional women to come forward with their own accusations in subsequent episodes.

Disney has declined to comment on the situation.

Source: IndieWire, Tortoise Media