Social media has erupted with accusations of hypocrisy directed at liberals who have remained relatively silent about allegations of sexual misconduct against Neil Gaiman while continuing to vilify J.K. Rowling for her views on gender. Critics argue that Rowling has faced disproportionate backlash for her stance on biological sex, while Gaiman, a celebrated author with progressive credentials, has been met with tepid criticism despite facing serious allegations.
The Gaiman Allegations
Neil Gaiman, known for works like The Sandman and Good Omens, has been accused by two women of misconduct. Scarlett Pavlovich, a former nanny, alleged non-consensual sexual acts, while another woman, identified as “K,” described an exploitative and emotionally damaging relationship. The fallout has reportedly affected several of Gaiman’s high-profile projects, with Disney’s The Graveyard Book and Good Omens Season 3 on hold and his role in Netflix’s The Sandman reportedly reduced.
Gaiman issued a carefully worded statement denying non-consensual activity but admitting he was “emotionally unavailable while being sexually available” and “careless with people’s hearts.” He added, “Like most of us, I’m learning and trying to do the work needed.”
Online Reactions Highlight Double Standards
Social media users have pointed out the disparity in how Gaiman and Rowling are treated. Rowling has faced years of relentless backlash for her defence of women’s spaces and her belief in the reality of biological sex, while Gaiman’s progressive persona appears to have insulated him from a similar level of scrutiny.
- •Sam Barber (@SamBarber1910): “Watching the same men who have spent years threatening J.K. Rowling and Graham Linehan turn on a dime to defend Neil Gaiman tells you everything you need to know about
trans activism .” - Jacques Maree (@JacquesMaree73): “If you’re one of the folks who has insulted ‘Nazi’ @jk_rowling for protecting women’s safe spaces, but are struggling to formulate an appropriate response to ultra-woke, pro-trans ‘feminist’ Neil Gaiman, an actual sexual abuser, you’re probably due some honest introspection.”
- HMS Reepicheep (@HMSReepicheep): “Aside from the link to the actual article, the most-commented topic in the Neil Gaiman subreddit is people unhappy about J.K. Rowling being unhappy about Gaiman.”
- Blossomara: Neil Gaiman is desperately what people wanted
JK Rowling to be.
These comments underscore the frustration many feel about what they see as selective outrage within progressive circles.
The Broader Context of Criticism
Gaiman’s progressive credentials, including his feminist-leaning rhetoric and support for trans activism, have likely shielded him from the same level of backlash faced by Rowling. Critics argue this discrepancy highlights a trend where liberal figures are excused for their actions if they align with the “right” ideological causes, while dissenters like Rowling are relentlessly targeted for their views.
Accusations of hypocrisy have also been directed at the broader feminist and trans activist communities, with many questioning why safeguarding women’s rights, as championed by Rowling, is met with hostility while allegations of abuse by a celebrated male ally provoke muted responses.
Shifting the Narrative
The backlash against Gaiman has reignited discussions about accountability in progressive spaces. While Rowling has been demonised for expressing her beliefs, Gaiman’s accusations have been met with carefully worded statements of regret and promises to “do the work.” Critics argue that this disparity reveals a performative aspect to liberal outrage, where the focus is less on justice and more on adherence to ideological orthodoxy.
The unfolding controversy around Gaiman and Rowling underscores the complexities of modern cultural discourse, where personal behaviour and ideological alignment are often judged on uneven terms.
