Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman

Episode: The WhatsApps | Ep 2 | Released on July 8, 2024

Introduction and Context

The second episode of Tortoise Media's investigative series, "Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman," delves deeper into the controversial claims made by two women—a former nanny, Scarlett, and a fan—who allege that Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted and abused them during consensual relationships. Despite Gaiman's strong denials, the episode meticulously examines the evidence, particularly focusing on WhatsApp messages exchanged between Gaiman and Scarlett.

Timeline of Events

Initial Relationship and Allegations

The episode begins by revisiting the events from the first episode, where Scarlett alleges that her sexual relationship with Neil Gaiman took a dark turn, culminating in abuse. Over the span of a year, messages between Scarlett and Gaiman paint a complex picture of their interactions:

• [00:05 - 00:10] Introduction by Paul Karuana Galicia and Rachel Johnson warns listeners about the graphic and sensitive nature of the content, including descriptions of sexual abuse and suicide.

• [00:54 - 01:09] Scarlett expresses gratitude towards Gaiman, signaling friendly and supportive communication post-alleged assault.

Conflict in Narratives

• [01:05 - 03:34] Paul Karuana Galicia highlights the contrast between the allegations and the friendly, affectionate messages. He notes Scarlett's messages reveal a narrative that is "not so black and white," suggesting Scarlett's agency and continued contact, which complicates the straightforward allegation of abuse.

Legal Perspectives on Consent and Credibility

Understanding Consent through Legal Lens

• [02:02 - 02:34] Catherine Jackson, a criminal defense lawyer, explains the complexity of consent, especially when one party might believe consent was given when it wasn't. She emphasizes the necessity of understanding both parties' perspectives to assess the validity of assault claims.

• [24:44 - 26:04] Jackson further discusses how continued contact post-allegation can undermine the credibility of the complainant, arguing that victims typically distance themselves from abusers after assaults.

Impact of WhatsApp Messages in Legal Proceedings

• [25:10 - 26:04] Jackson points out that prosecutors often take such messages at face value, which can significantly aid defense lawyers in challenging the legitimacy of the allegations.

Psychological and Sociological Insights

Coercive Control and Manipulation

• [12:04 - 15:34] Sociologist Evan Stark discusses the nature of coercive control, likening it to a con game where the abuser manipulates the victim into a false sense of consent and dependence. He highlights patterns where initial extreme acts set the tone for ongoing abuse, fitting Scarlett's early interactions with Gaiman.

• [14:15 - 15:34] Stark argues that Gaiman’s behavior—non-subtle and extreme from the outset—is characteristic of con men, establishing control and dictating the relationship’s dynamics.

Analysis of WhatsApp Conversations

Messages Reflecting Consent vs. Allegations

• [04:15 - 08:24] The episode examines specific WhatsApp exchanges, where Scarlett references consent and affection, such as her message on [07:30]:

  "He made me vomit multiple times and then I would get punished and have to clean him up... I sort of knew they weren't safe... I was always bleeding."

• [09:31 - 11:18] Contrastingly, other messages show Scarlett expressing desperation and referring to Gaiman as "Master," indicating a power imbalance and possible coercion.

• [15:08 - 15:34] Discussion on whether Gaiman had a reasonable belief in Scarlett’s consent, incorporating legal principles like Occam's razor to argue that the straightforward interpretation supports Gaiman's denial.

The Role and Impact of NDAs

Scarlett's NDA and Its Implications

• [35:29 - 36:32] Scarlett receives an NDA from Gaiman's bookkeeper, which she signs without fully understanding. The NDA is backdated to when they first met, raising questions about its intent and enforceability.

• [43:23 - 43:55] Zelda Perkins, a former assistant of Harvey Weinstein and an NDA abuse campaigner, explains that most NDAs are unenforceable and are designed to silence victims rather than protect reputations.

• [43:49 - 44:15] Despite signing the NDA, Scarlett feels empowered to report Gaiman to the police, illustrating that NDAs cannot legally prevent individuals from disclosing criminal behavior.

Other Allegations and Supporting Stories

Zelda Perkins and Additional Accusations

• [42:15 - 43:08] Zelda Perkins meets with Scarlett, affirming the trauma she endured and reinforcing that the NDA should not impede her ability to seek justice.

• [45:23 - 47:25] Another unnamed woman shares her experience with Gaiman, detailing coercion and disregard for her explicit refusals, paralleling Scarlett’s allegations. This account includes her refusal:

  "I said, you cannot put anything in me... It will hurt very badly... I remember for sure."

Current Status and Ongoing Investigation

Police Involvement and Lack of Progress

• [21:54 - 27:43] Scarlett formally reports the sexual assault to New Zealand police in October 2022, but after a three-day interview and submission of evidence, including WhatsApps and the NDA, she receives no follow-up, leaving her feeling abandoned and uncertain about her case's progress.

Persistence of Allegations Amidst Denials

• [30:56 - 36:03] Despite ongoing communication from Gaiman, including supportive messages from actress Fiona Shaw, Scarlett continues to struggle with the implications of her NDA and the lack of police action.

• [46:41 - 47:19] The episode concludes with a broader search for others who may have similar experiences with Gaiman, though concrete evidence remains scarce. However, the testimonies presented showcase a pattern of coercion and abuse that warrants further scrutiny.

Conclusion

"The WhatsApps" episode provides a nuanced exploration of the conflicting narratives between Scarlett and Neil Gaiman. Through legal expertise, sociological insights, and additional testimonies, the episode underscores the complexities surrounding consent, coercive control, and the use of NDAs in cases of alleged abuse. While Neil Gaiman maintains his innocence, the persistent allegations and supporting accounts from other women highlight the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice in high-profile abuse cases.

Notable Quotes

• Rachel Johnson on Consent:

  "Is there nothing for it but pained regret?"
  (02:34)

• Catherine Jackson on Credibility:

  "If somebody is the victim of a serious sexual offence, they're either going to report it to the police fairly immediately or they're going to want nothing more to do with that person."
  (25:10)

• Evan Stark on Coercion:

  "Coercive control is a con."
  (13:58)

• Zelda Perkins on NDAs:

  "There is a change beginning, because it is now very apparent that having an NDA isn't reputational protection."
  (43:55)

• Unnamed Woman on Abuse:

  "You said, you cannot put anything in me. It will hurt very badly... I did it anyway."
  (46:31)

Attribution

This summary incorporates key discussions, expert opinions, and direct quotes from the podcast episode "The WhatsApps | Ep 2" by Tortoise Media, hosted by Paul Karuana Galicia and Rachel Johnson. Notable contributions include insights from criminal defense lawyer Catherine Jackson, sociologist Evan Stark, and activist Zelda Perkins.