Feb 10 • 02:36 UTC 🇳🇿 New Zealand RNZ World

Third US lawsuit against author Neil Gaiman dismissed by judge

A Massachusetts judge has dismissed the third lawsuit against Neil Gaiman, concluding that the case should be pursued in New Zealand.

A US District Judge in Boston has dismissed the third lawsuit filed against author Neil Gaiman, brought by Scarlett Pavlovich, who accused him of sexually assaulting her while she was employed as his children's nanny in Auckland four years ago. This ruling follows the dismissal of similar lawsuits in other states, including New York and Wisconsin, where jurisdiction was also deemed inappropriate because the alleged events occurred in New Zealand.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Neil Gaiman has denied the accusations against him and argued that the allegations should be settled within the jurisdiction of New Zealand, where both the plaintiff and the defendant had closer ties, given Gaiman's permanent residency there. The dismissal of these lawsuits in the US strongly suggests a significant judicial stance on the matter of jurisdiction, indicating that such accusations should be addressed in the country where the alleged incidents took place.

The ruling to dismiss the case emphasizes the legal complexities of conducting civil suits across international lines, particularly concerning personal relationships and family affairs. As Gaiman's work continues to gain international acclaim, these legal issues could impact his public image and career amidst ongoing conversations about accountability in the arts and entertainment industries.

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