The Neil Gaiman situation...

[@midlifebookcrisis81]

"Life is short and there is so much great art in the world." ❤ Lovely. Thank you.

[@MaryannCn]

While I understand they are currently allegations, the details are very damning. Either one or both of the women (I can’t recall) went to the police within 24 hours. His wife posted on social media that she and Gaiman separated around the same time as the NZ incident. They later divorced. The sickening part is how he projected in public that he was an ally for women’s rights, including to “believe women” about SA. That did not age well to say the least.💔

[@tyghe_bright]

As someone in the BDSM community, when I first heard details of the charges, they had the ring of truth. It's exactly the kind of abuse that's common in the community. And I'm certain Gaiman believed he was doing nothing wrong and that it was all consensual. Because he failed to recognize the power differential (beyond the D/s aspect).

[@marocat4749]

I mean whenever that is called assault or not, from comments its clear he is a major creep abusing his power and, reportds seem to confirm he very creepy does take adventage, even young women at a con were warned to not be alone with him ominous. So he definitly did wrong things whatever aou call it.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Ugh that’s revolting!

[@anabelhadad9715]

Disassociating after election results with your videos

[@quinncrook6058]

Same.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Sorry I didn’t make a more positive one!

[@tirarosaurioreads]

Exactly what I am here for :(

[@juliasierra7397]

Same 😢

[@PumpkinMozie]

@@WillowTalksBookssomehow, hearing you talk even about a negative topic is helping to cheer me up haha

[@megm6569]

I agree with everything you said. Maybe this sounds too jaded, but even though I did really like a lot of Gaiman's work, this is a man who has essentially rockstar status in the book world, and is known to be a weird/creepy dude. I don't find any of this surprising. Sad state of things.

[@max4pne]

Bar Good Omens (which I’ll just pretend Pratchett entirely wrote) I gave my Gaiman books to charity shops recently. I couldn’t face binning them, but at least some good might go to a charity from them going there. However marginally, try and cancel out the harm he’s likely done.

[@rookbirdblues]

It's so disappointing considering how much he seemingly talked about and respected Ursula K le Guin for her writing, and talked about how she'd 'taught him that women were people too' when he read her books as a child. Maybe he didn't learn enough. But really I think he's just got very good at paying lip service while behind the scenes he's doing the opposite.

[@Frogface91]

Similar to Joss Whedon.

[@br1na332]

Great video. So often people want someone to be the arbitrator for them, but we have to make our own choices informed by morals, perspectives, needs, etc. I enjoy Warhammer 40,000 and I am very aware and critical of the issues with Games Workshop, Black Library, and parts of the community. The works of Dali, Picasso, Lovecraft, Poe, etc. all hold value and meaning to me and I am also aware of their abhorrent views and/ or actions. They're also dead, so that helps. Making informed decisions and not be reactionary and holding arbitrary hypocritical positions is key. I appreciate the way you approached this ❤

[@louh9324]

Have you read Monsters: A fan's dilemma by Claire Dederer? It discusses the issue we have with enjoying art by problematic figures

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I haven’t but that sounds excellent! Thanks!

[@TheLeniverse]

@@WillowTalksBooks I second that recommendation. It's a really good and nuanced discussion.

[@dark.and.planty]

Interesting!

[@TheAnitaAlvarez]

I'm writing an essay on "art monsters" and what to do with their art, and decided to start by speaking of my feelings about Marion Zimmer Bradley, whose Mists of Avalon I loved as a teen, and discovered later that she abused her children in horrific way. I still don't know what to do about her, or Neil Gaiman, or any of the others art monsters... but I like exploring these feelings around them

[@EmlynBoyle]

I was the biggest NG fan ever, and when I first heard the allegations, I was like 'no...Neil couldn't have done this.' Like he was a personal friend or something. But then I actually bothered to listen to the podcasts...and, as inept as they sometimes are and as much as I dislike Rachel Johnson, they have serious weight behind them. I believe the victims, especially that tearful lady who worked for him at his NY residence. Yes these are still allegations, but Gaiman's voice messages, his (paradoxical) silence since, these women's detailed accounts and Gaiman's NDAs and monies paid to silence them have left me both disgusted and disappointed with the man. But I'm mainly disappointed with myself; for keeping him on a ridiculously high pedestal for so long. The Sandman and The Graveyard Book are my favourite NG works, and both of these are now sullied...especially when one thinks of 'Calliope' in context of this (and then there's the Nada storyline), and hearing that Gaiman apparently assaulted one lady whilst he was in the process of writing The Graveyard Book. To be honest, his lack of writing anything new in now 11 years, and an increasing sense of smugness I detected about him was already putting me off. But this matter has been the final stake through the heart. As a transwoman myself, I don't want him being associated with us...even if he genuinely supports our community. As someone on the spectrum, I'm furious that he would use autism as an excuse for this behaviour, and as a fan, I disown him...even if I can just about separate some of his most cherished works from the man. Christ, after this, Rowling and today's election results, I'm ready to give up on humanity. Our gods (Gaiman, Rowling or Trump) only remain abusive powermongers when we keep them there. Thanks for this Willow. To add: I now also think he's a poor man's Clive Barker...who has a much greater imagination, is multi-talented, but is also sadly neglected these days. There's still a tiny part of me that hopes/wishes that none of this is true, but it sadly doesn't look likely. Sigh.

[@elliewallace6370]

I absolutely know the feeling - Sandman in particular was a huge influence on me as a teenager. Personally the final nail in the coffin for me was his own words - even if you could discount what the women themselves had to say (and I absolutely do not) the way he himself described his behaviour may portray it in a way which is not criminal but it still describes the actions of an abusive creep - and that's from reading his side of it. When you bring the women's version of events into it on top of that - he's dead to me whether the courts put him away or not at this point.

[@EmlynBoyle]

@@elliewallace6370 ditto. I think he's also used his image of a 'male feminist' and trans supporter, etc, to further hide this behaviour. Much like Joss Whedon too. Even thinking that the writer of Coraline was also forcing female fans/employees into BDSM situations is sickening. I did his masterclass a few years back, and at one point he's telling this story about hornets or something, and how it inspired Coraline. He then talks about how female fans would later come up to him at signings, etc, and thank him for writing the book and how it got them through dark/abusive times...so that again is hugely crushing now. He likes to quote as regards Coraline, 'when you scared of something , but do it anyway, then that's brave'. Well these women were scared of coming forth about him, but they've done it anyway. They're brave in ways he's never been.

[@elliewallace6370]

@@EmlynBoyle Oh my God I remember that class - I took it several years ago when I got a year's masterclass subscription as a present to myself after drafting my first novel. I remember way back then thinking it was the most useful class I'd ever taken trying to get my writing feet under me (Margaret Atwood's was entertaining but her brain works in too different a way from mine for many of her writing tips to be useful for me). Not so great feeling looking back on it .

[@EmlynBoyle]

@@elliewallace6370same. While it was useful at the time, I could never ever watch it again. I believe Brandon Sanderson has a similar course on KZbin. It’s free, just as useful and isn’t presented by a creep.

[@swe3tpeach]

the autism comments were insane and made me so angry! I get it

[@cyndie88]

I recently got back into reading and have all his books on hold at my library. I adored The Graveyard and cried. Reading Norse Mythology currently. Ugh it all makes me sick. I love his works but this is something else. And this following these election results, I just have this deep pit of disappointment that idk what to do with. 😭

[@queenvrook]

"Innocent until proven guilty" is a constraint on government, not on private citizens, just as government can't abridge free speech, but that doesn't mean a restaurant has to let a bloviator address the customers during dinner, and they have to listen.

[@humanstarcluster]

Thank you for making a video on this, Willow. This has been on my mind a lot because similarly to you, I also got into reading largely through his books and they were some of the things that got me through high school, pretty much. I also made the decision not to engage with his work/support him anymore, but I've noticed there's a part of me that feels oddly... guilty for having enjoyed the books in the first place? So I just need to keep reminding myself that at the time I had no reason NOT to support him but now that I do have one, I'm consciously making the decision not to engage. The circumstances have changed, but so has the way I'm approaching his work. That's the best we can do as his former fans right now.

[@johnsmith8906]

Rumours have been around for a while. The guys in Forbidden Planet in Newcastle used to say that if Neil was doing a signing you never left him alone with any female staff members as he was a little...over familiar. When if comes to problematic artists I'm of the opinion that if they are long dead it's ok, that's why I can still read H.P Lovecraft.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Wow, that’s disgusting! I generally feel similarly, but with the caveat that they can still do damage, depending on who they are and what they wrote. Yukio Mishima still inspires incel men, for example

[@elliewallace6370]

@@WillowTalksBooks I get what you're saying but the only caveat there is that good and bad people can draw inspiration from art independently of the author's intent or personal beliefs - I've seen people use To Kill a Mockingbird to promote gaslighting rape victims for example where that really isn't the point or intent of the work at all - I guess the death of the author isn't always that simple even if the author is actually dead.

[@phillipayriss3608]

Lovecraft was a deeply troubled person whose explicit racism is very much a part of that damaged personality. That flaw is worthy of study without diminishing it's terribleness. However he was never accused of being any kind of predator. Making him him a differant case to Gaiman.

[@johnsmith8906]

@@phillipayriss3608 That's true. I just use Lovecraft as an example of a deeply problematic artist.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

Lovecraft's mythos has also been used by so many other writers, often to subvert the very things that he believed in. If you haven't already, check out N.K. Jemisin's "Great Cities" books, a pair of thoroughly Lovecraftian novels by a brilliant Black woman who uses his ideas to utterly smash his ideals! Her use of The White Woman, an eldritch corporate white Karen, as an avatar of cosmic horror attempting to negate all life in every universe, is pure genius.

[@azhairving]

Willow, sadly I envy your ability to choose. As a woman of color I do not always have the choice to disengage from those writers who view me as an adversary. As a writer my foremost reason for reading is the writing itself. I have been made better by reading the best of the worst. "To err is human..." Aren't we all?! ❤

[@NovelFindsByKassi]

Well this sucks. Thanks for making the video. I had somehow missed all of this. :/ I'm with you - we all need to figure out how we will react to something like this and live accordingly. I'm really disappointed right now, so quite a few books will be coming off my TBR. Thanks for reminding us also about the enormity of literature to devour. : )

[@Natalie_is_typing]

Another great, thoughtful video Willow! I never finished HP so never felt many conflicting emotions about JKR being horrible. This whole situation really messed with me though. I spent a lot of my teen years reading Gaiman's work to get through the tough times bought about by complex traumas. Speaking as a survivor of SA myself, books were (and still are) a safe haven for me, to have a previous favourite author behave in this way towards women and girls feels viscerally wrong to me. Glad to have channels like yours to recommend more diverse (and hopefully less ethically shitty) authors i should be reading instead.

[@MountainShadow8]

I understand your deep disappointment. My favorite author used to be Sherman Alexie, an indigenous writer. Sexual allegations against him broke my heart. Years later I'm still troubled.

[@dharmabum2389]

Thanks for addressing this issue, Willow! Love your channel!

[@macolof362]

An interesting topic to be sure about the separation of artist from their work. But I wonder if that holds up when it comes to other commodities? For example, how does one square the circle of not support JK Rowling becuse of her abusive rhetoric, whilst buying iPhones, fast fashion, even energy (climate change), etc. If we are going to stand on principle and reject an artist’s work due to their wrongdoing, why does that scarcely apply elsewhere? Maybe it gives us a chance to feel righteous whilest deluding ourselves to the brutal oppressive systems we maintain with our daily payments. Amazon buying, meat eating, tax paying…

[@JoyFramboise]

I wasn't aware of this, thank you for meeting me know.

[@johlargames]

I think the art is separate to the artist. I can't remove his old works as they are in a way now a small part of me. However, choosing to continue to support future works is something else entirely.

[@wiktoriatluvi]

I have the same feelings, but then still, if you think about it - we are only now learning about it, he was apparently doing those awful things when he was creating some of those works :(

[@johlargames]

@@wiktoriatluvi He was. And that's going to be true for every similar instance, wether it is writers, actors, musicians, you name it. But noone can change the past, you can't unread books or unwatch films. We can only choose what we do with this information tomorrow.

[@lilithveronicaluz]

Graveyard Book and American Gods are some of my favorite books (except for the end of American Gods). This makes me sad. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. This is tough.

[@sonjamuller9397]

If an author like Rowling openly takes a stand about a topic I deeply disagree with the decision is very clear - I don't support that person in any way. It is way more difficult if we only have accusations. Therefor I totally agree, the best way is to collect as much info as we can and then decide for ourselfs what we feel is right. And I think it also important to not only reflect on what persons we support but also what we consume in daily life (brands). I often feel we are so quick to decide to love or hate a person but we mindlessly consume and support brands that are also morally not at all in line with what we believe.

[@lesliegraham8478]

Well said. Let people choose their own opinions.

[@lovelyflowergirl42]

Man I've been a fan of him since I was a teen too. I remember picking up Neverwhere and falling so hard for his pros. And as a huge good omens fan...the 90 minute movie is like...a punishment to the fans and a slight against Terry. It's so disappointing. So sad. also to clarify!!! Neil Gaiman sucks, and the books I had collected are at a used book store right now. Screw that guy.

[@2010Maven]

Interesting video. Putting aside the Neil Gaiman cases while they go through court etc; separating the artist and the art is a challenging one. Many great artists / writers / composers have incredibly problematic elements to them - all the way along the spectrum. Not sure I would never want to listen to Wagner again...for example Maybe the line in the sand is, as you say, sticking to your principles about who you fund with your purchases today (i.e. people still around who benefit financially from our purchasing decisions)

[@anna_lune]

This was a very well done video (not that you need my validation). I struggle with this constantly because of JKR. I was devastated when she came out as transphobic, though I sat in retrospect and wondered if I should have seen it coming. I had so many good memories surrounding those books - a very good friend throughout high school and college was a huge HP nerd, as was I, and that was how we bonded. He's gay and found so much comfort in the books because of the idea that a bunch of misfits could be the heroes. I haven't spoken to him in years, so I don't know how he feels about the transphobia, if he's as devastated as I am. Many of my friends today are trans and are divided on her - some are able to say "my art now, b*tch" and successfully separate art from artist, while others find the whole thing abhorrent and can't. I personally can't, and it breaks my heart every time I think about it because I hate that she's tainted my memories. But I made the decision not to buy her material or anything that could give her royalties. I haven't had the heart to put everything away because of all the positive memories, but it's a sad reminder. All this to say, I agree with your assessment, and I can relate to what you're going through - and, I don't know if anyone has said this, but I'm sorry that you're having to deal with these feelings now too. It sucks that anyone is presented with this sort of dilemma where their positive memories are stained.

[@kellymcfarlane6120]

I find it very easy to just cut gross celebs out of my universe because when they have done gross things, I can’t enjoy their work. This holds true even when they haven’t necessarily been found guilty (rich white man vibes) because typically there isn’t smoke without fire. I can’t, for example, watch films with Kevin Spacey in them, even though he used to be one of my favourite actors. So it’s not hard for me to distance myself from their work… that’s what I’m trying to say. But I do have very specific rage for anyone who still supports Rowling 🤮

[@TheFierceMonkey505]

Well this day couldn’t get any worse.

[@MarinaUz]

I've also been a huge fan of Gaiman for yeeeears, his books were so dear to me. I am beyond disappointed. Honestly, I'm scared to call myself a 'fan' of anyone anymore because these very successful people keep turning up to be awful human beings... My NG books are also going away in a box next to hp so I don't have to look at them. Thank you for making this video!

[@yuklimka7251]

I see this kind of discussion on reddit: Do you separate the author from their works? I choose not to because it would feel like condoning their actions. I'd had Neil Gaiman on my TBR list for years with some vague intentions to get around to his books. That's on ice.

[@mandyschmidt7960]

I usually buy books/CDs etc used, so no more money goes to the artist.

[@pinpilinpaux]

I was a huge Harry Potter fan (started reading at 8 and the last book came out when I was around 18, so a lot of my formative years), I have a ton of merchandise and a whole Ravenclaw costume. I completely understand the hurt when an author you love(d) does something like this. At least in my experience, it does get better and I feel better knowing none of my money goes to them. Now I feel glad I kept postponing getting into Neil Gaiman, one less heartache for me.

[@Nixx0912]

For me it's other way round, I was a bit to old when Harry Potter came out so I more or less know the franchise but never got round to reading the books and was less bothered by Rowling. Gaiman on the other hand was one of my fauvrite authors so this is really, really hard.

[@shuwei9420]

Yes to your conclusion! 🥰 I was a much younger girl when JKR started losing her plot and it really hurt, but now her stuff is in a corner of my house, my soul has since been and continues to be nourished by endless other art out there. Never spending any more money on HP related things is now just an added bonus. More money for indie art and works by marginalised communities woo!

[@The.Pigeon420]

I'm horrified looking at the comments What is HAPPENING GGG THIS IS SUCH AN AWFUL YEAR

[@The.Pigeon420]

Thank you, willow. You're very healing/calming for me 😭❤

[@stephaniefisher1091]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful discussion!

[@pinxsol5579]

I'm very much the same regarding books when it comes to problematic authors. It's a personal decision, but honestly, looking at my old HP book collection for example just makes me remember all the bad stuff. Better hide it in a corner somewhere so that time & aging can destroy these books for me. I can't separate the work from the author at all, though I sort of admire people who do. I also think that willingly financially supporting a horrible person is not something I want to do with my life. Thinking that the money I spent ends up as that person's dinner one day or something... no thanks.

[@Frankie-yz7en]

Unrelated bc I haven't watched the vid yet but I couldn't not say that you ate that thumbnail, the hair is hairing >>>

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you 🥹💜

[@doctormorbuis]

I have Gaiman (and Rowling) in my book collection. Orson Scott Card, too. But at some point, I made the same decision you made to never spend money on them again. Do I get rid of my Sandman comics? I don't think so. It's a sunk cost fallacy and most of his projects are collaborations with other artists (Terry Pratchett, for one). The only author I've been purposeful about deleting from my collection is Marion Zimmer Bradley, who was a different kind of monster all together.

[@KellyAK]

Like you, for me JKR was easy to give up, I read some of the books, I watched the films, but Harry Potter wasn't a big part of my life at all, so it was easy to let it go. But Neil Gaiman was tough, he was a fave, I had a lot of his books, I've read even more. When the news first came out I removed him from pride of place on my bookshelves and shoved him a corner, but a month or so back I just decided to donate the whole lot to charity. I just could not even look at them without thinking about the whole situation, it's tainted everything of his, and at least for now I dont want anything more to do with his work.

[@driverjayne]

I love how writing, he's one of my favorite authors but his views on women and sex are NOT hidden in his work.

[@josephyoung2593]

Does this mean that Gaiman sceptics no longer have to pussyfoot around the obvious point that he's never been as good as he thinks he is? As crass as it is to suggest situations like this have silver linings, pretending Gaiman is good has always taken a lot more energy than pretending Rowling is bad.

[@ryuray1677]

The thing is where will I now give these books so awful to hear about an author that you like. I too discovered and enjoyed his books for so long and still read them............I won't give it to the school library because as an educator I feel I can't have such a person's work in a child's hand....but I love the stories I have read and reread my favorites and as I write this comment from my seat in my personal library with that shelf right in front of me as I come to this video's end, I am starting to feel lost.This is hard, thankyou so much for suggesting what can be done and what you said there are more beautiful books by more genuine wonderful authors out there :)

[@myfirstnovel]

I respect and understand your way of dealing with bad people producing great art. Studying art history long ago, I loved Picasso who is very problematic. I had to draw my own line as a result. Of course I could never buy a Picasso lol. I guess I’ll now borrow Gaimain’s books from the library as mediation… :(

[@cloudyycat]

I’m so gutted by this - Coraline is one of my favourite childhood stories, and I have turned to it for comfort for years. I was just talking about it with a friend yesterday. It sucks how often we are disappointed by people we look up to. I think Gaiman will be joining JK Rowling in my attic until further notice. Thanks for making this video and talking about this, I had no idea about the allegations!

[@Ghostvix]

Yeah same. I used to watch and listen/read Harry Potter and Coraline every year… time for them all to be shelved.

[@bramvanduijn8086]

I don't get why people conflate "writes well" or "sees this part of reality the way I see it" with "must be a good person", what ideas about morality and/or human behaviour do you have? (general you, not specifically you, though if you want to answer, feel free.) Is it an identity thing where you identify with someone and you can't bear considering that you too are human enough to hurt others either through intent or as a result of self-deception?

[@YoungMatt81]

We're humans and where we find the most conflict is in those fuzzy grey areas. In this instance, when does an artist's beliefs or behaviors cross the boundary that makes their works problematic? I dont think i have a good answer, but i can add that I also believe we shouldn't put artists up on pedestals. What Gaiman did was (potentially) morally reprehensible, but i daresay he shares a lot more of my moral compass than JK Rowling does. I also know that Gaiman had an "arrangement" with his wife, which, by all accounts I've heard, he was the only benefactor and likely forced it into their relationship. So, my summary? I think Gaiman is a fantastic writer, world builder, and communicator. I also believe he shares many of my values. At the same time, i think he has a track record of behaving poorly when it comes to women and sex. He really needs to clear the air and ask forgiveness, with a promise to do better. With his fame, however, i think even an earnest attempt at repair will fail. I'm fine with people abandoning Gaiman and not patronizing him. That's your right and he's earned it. I will likely continue reading his work, for now, but with less vigor. I'm pretty cynical when it comes to famous people, though. I pretty much think all of them have done or said some terrible crap as bad or worse than what we know with people like Gaiman, it's just some stuff gets out while others stay hidden. I guess expect the worst, and you'll never be let down is my motto!

[@MB-hc9tk]

😐 I did not know this… whyyyyy 😩

[@borgir80]

Seems like these days, we've been more and more asked whether we need to separate the art and the artist. I loved Harry Potter, and I'm straight, but I can't look back and support any reprints of Harry Potter. I have already read all of Neil Gaiman's books, so I don't have to decide whether I should buy reprints. But now, I would have to dispose of all his works just as I did for Harry Potter. At this point, Stephen King's the only bastard I idolize who doesn't have these misconducts. I hope that old man isn't creepy. Maybe I shouldn't put artists on altars from now on. Sigh, Neil, Sandman saved my life, but what's your obsession with young girls and bathtubs? It now makes "A Night with Neil" events have a whole new dark meaning. And all your short stories about stalkers, and sex offenders, and creepy sex, and wolves-in-sheeps-clothing characters, I never expected all along you were just looking at the mirror when you were writing those characters. :(

[@EmlynBoyle]

I read somewhere, ages back, that Gaiman wanted to be a werewolf as a kid...it looks like he always was one anyway. As for Stephen King, he's been pretty vocal about his drug and alcohol abuse issues, and has never appointed himself as a perfect individual, so I think he's safe (I hope).

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

@@EmlynBoyle Yeah, Stephen King has always been pretty open about his issues with addiction and substance abuse. And he's always written his own demons pretty clearly on the pages of his work, so I think we know roughly how bad he is already. As for Neil Gaiman, I'm having trouble letting go of his work, Sandman in particular. Those comics saved my life back in the 90's, simply because I needed to stay alive to see how the story ended. I'm quite comfortable with having a few problematic favourites (big fan of Lovecraft here!), but this is just too close to home, and too current. I'm undecided as to what I'm going to do with my shelf of Gaiman's books, not to mention the beautifully framed, signed copy of Sandman #13 that I've had on my wall for over 25 yrs now... I fully believe the allegations, but I also value the stories so much, and I'm deeply torn.

[@Nixx0912]

What bits me how can you be friends with an acctual rape victim and knowing how devastating it was for her go and abuse other women. How?

[@tierneyspence9647]

Great video Willow, really well put. With any sexual abuse allegations like these where the behaviour happened years ago and the person being accused has so much more power and resources than their accusers/victims, it’s always so unlikely that legal action will result in a fair, accurate verdict, and a lot of the time fans will never know the ‘truth’. But I personally feel much more comfortable stopping my support of someone who might (but let’s real, probably isn’t) innocent, than continuing to support someone who is potentially an abuser.

[@Androsynth75]

There's something I always find myself saying whenever a beloved writer/actor/whatever turns out to be a shit stain: All of the memories we have of their works, the personal meanings, the representation, and inspiration they awoke in us, and all the other stuff: that's not the author, that's what WE brought TO the authors work. Books are experienced, and we bring our experiences to them. Things resonate because of who WE are. And regardless of how shitty the author is, all that good stuff comes from us, not them, and it's not tainted by the fact that they unambiguously suck. Sandman, for example, was very inspiring for me as a non binary person. One of the first times ever that I'd seen a gender ambiguous character like Desire in media, and then Mason Alexander Park just killed it in the Netflix show. Gaiman can't take that away. I brought that shit. Even if we never support that author again, nobody can take the good stuff we brought to the work in the past away from us, because WE brought it. I find it helps me to separate that in my head. I hold on to the good experiences I had/brought, and then find someone who isn't a shit stain to read in the future.

[@phoebegee54]

Off topic but Vivi in the background ❤

[@stargazerbird]

I just assume all artists are problematic in some way. I never liked Potter or read any Gaiman. Maybe I have a good radar? But it wouldn’t shock me to discover my personal favourites were creepy. As a music fan genius seems to go hand in hand with a lot of darkness.

[@tirarosaurioreads]

I cant even begin to express how disappointed I am with this situation. If there was a person I would have never thought this of, that was him. I can't even read anything by him anymore.

[@paigeme886]

I heard about it as soon as the news dropped. Honestly I was gutted and still am. It has completely ruined a few books that meant so much to me for various reasons- I’m very unwell, incurable and have been so for about 25 years ( in 38 now). I listened to some of his work whilst on my death bed ( have been there a few times…). 2 books if his in particular helped me through. And read many others throughout the years ( reading is an escape for me). I know it sounds ridiculous to be so attached but I can’t help it. I have seen many people say ‘oh who cares I love his books’, but I can NOT separate the art from the author. *this subject* is too close to home . I do believe the girls who accuse him & have read & heard quite a lot about the situation. It’s beyond disgusting. Thank you for making others aware: to be honest, I felt it strange and * wrong * in a way the booktubers hadn’t mentioned what has happened ( but I understand why they haven’t of course, but still wish more had been said by people… I think that is my anger and hurt at him too coming out). Those poor woman: I’m devastated for them.

[@cyberbard]

Very well put.

[@markgaskell5370]

"Manuscripts do not burn" - Mikhail Bulgakov

[@elliewallace6370]

Thanks very much for a great a thoughtful video. Cannot agree enough with your central point that everyone has got to have their own boundaries and responses to these sorts of things and to a large extent there are no right/wrong answers, just different ones for different people. It you're interested I tend to go for the "who am I harming by buying this book?" judgement call when doing this myself. In the case of dead authors for example, whatever I may disagree with them about (and if they've been dead for a while its likely to be a lot because society moves on and I can move with it whilst they by definition can't) I don't have moral qualms buying and reading them because whatever they may have thought they're not around to use my money or clout to further any repellent views they may have held in life (my only caveat for that would be if I discovered that their heirs were using money from sales to do that). As far as living authors go I'm kind of similar - I don't want to not read people who express ideas I am uncomfortable with or disagree with - that way just entrenches thought and debases any arguments I might have - how can I refine my opinions and perspectives if I cut myself off from those I find uncomfortable disagree with. HOWEVER my view changes utterly if that author uses the money and clout they gain from their readership and fandom to further causes with which I disagree because at that point if I buy their stuff I am effectively donating money and clout to a cause I disagree with and I don't want to do that (whatever my opinion about the Harry Potter books as literature for example I would at this point feel about as morally clean buying anything connected to that world as I would donating to a white supremacist organisation).

[@OffWithTheMasks]

Thank you for this video. I don't find it difficult at all to not engage/disengage from art created by despicable people...they are people before they are artists, and I agree 100% that it is a personal choice, while still feeling uncomfortable with they way some people refuse to acknowledge that it is the least you can do, and that there are so many other sources of art created by people who haven't committed crimes. Personally, I find it irrelevant whether the author is dead or alive...I find art transformative, and some authors just...while reading, there's a theme permeating the pages even when there are no allegations against them (ie. Nabokov, Murakami) and I find it, again, extremely easy to question their intent and disengage. In this case, just thinking about the victims is enough to make me never look at my little coraline copy the same.

[@isabelbrown4397]

i remember reading the first few chapters of american gods and dropping it because it felt too much like "a book for boys" 😬

[@kayla8402]

Fucking SUCKS to see him wreck his legacy of work as well, particularly with things like Wanda coming out! So much of his stuff is hugely supporting and does things others really hadn't and has been a major fairly mainstream (lately) bright point for a lot of people. Nm that my dvd's of mirrormask and neverwhere are flat out comfort watches. (I should emphasize this is all secondary to damage done to people, just that him turning out this way dos additional damage based on his presence and meaning as an author)

[@Ms.HGL.]

That's perfectly fair!

[@kallistoindrani5689]

I don't know. For right now it's all just 'she said'. Multiple she saids so their probably is truth to it. But does that change your love for the books you already read/have? I guess I can understand not spending money on him anymore but getting rid of the books you already have? I still have my Harry Potter and Cormoran Strike books. I still read them. I still find them good and enjoy them. Her being a person with a different view then me doesn't change that. Then again, what Neil (supposedly) has done is worse in my eyes then what JK. Rowling has ever said.

[@Mister_Sosotris]

Well said!

[@badfaith4u]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I think you are making the right choice for you.

[@johnsparegrave5996]

I think famous and rich is a good reason to fear people coming forward for their money. I also think that men with power and money, not a good mix. And yet my belief is that public condemnation is quite dangerous. People are just going for the blood. As for Rowling, I don't think I have been given evidence even once of transphobia and so I buy every book she writes. I have never been a fan of Gaiman so apart from Good Omens which was great fun, I'll keep not reading him. I don't think I care much about authors really. But thanks for expressing your opinion so clearly.

[@dejavudeux]

Thx god ur the only person here with logic here, lol.

[@Leos131]

Sex work is the oldest profession in the world. Only thing im getting at is if sex was a part of the inital deal for the house is one thing. But if it was thrown in after the deal was made its definitely a crime.

[@Ghostvix]

If you ‘own’ an audible audiobook every time you listen do you give to the author? Because idk if I should delete from my library.

[@arekkrolak6320]

Gaiman wrote some good things, but he became a kind of YA author later, I would not consider myself his fan, but still until he is convicted I would not consider him a criminal, even if the situation is rather untoward

[@teresagarcia1307]

No following people, don’t care if they are artists or have Tesla IQ, with no moral compass. Maybe Caravaggio is my only exception as I don’t know all the facts. I’m with your approach all the way 👍

[@RoundSeal]

HP by JKR was my first major hyperfixation that lasted for several years. She's the reason I wanted to start writing. She's why I write, now. I still have the books shoved in the back of my closet, behind my clothes. I don't think I can just get rid of them, but I feel miserable seeing them just out, and they don't have a place on my shelves. I'm nonbinary-trans; there's a strong, bitter irony in putting such meaningful things to me into the closet and trying to forget and ignore. World of Warcraft was a huge part of my life for eleven years. I played a Hunter and I loved trying to tame rare, unusual pets. All of my pets were special, but my most beloved was the very first I tamed - a dime-a-dozen Springpaw Stalker that was in no way rare. I had started cooling off on WoW once the quality went downhill, but the allegations against Activision-Blizzard sealed it for me. I can't justify giving money to a company like that unless there's years' worth of visible, transparent change and progress. We're not there yet. But I still miss that digital Springpaw, so much. The Diablo games were my comfort games; there was nothing more cathartic to me than mowing down hundreds of demons. Any time something major and unpleasant happened in my life, I'd load up Diablo and mentally disappear for a few hours. Even though I'm the one who chose to no longer engage, I still can't help but feel that's been taken from me. And I know that that's selfish! I _want_ to be the kind of person who doesn't judge others for still choosing to engage in media like that, but I can't be. I 100% judge people, feel disappointed and let down, even though it really doesn't have anything to do with me. It's more complicated then just 'engage? y/n' and I feel a lot of people don't fully understand that. So, thank you for talking about this a little bit. I can absolutely appreciate how hard it can be to put those things away, even if the choice to do so is easy. 💚

[@leticiatoraci9855]

Tbh I was never really a great fan of Gaiman so I will just stop reading more books/comics by him in the future.

[@monsterclass]

in a trump america this is not a issue anymore

[@darthopper7874]

IF I consume any of his works in the future, I will make sure that hes is not profiting in any way.

[@BritneyT.]

🧡

[@bastodon]

But I don’t want to…. Damn, you’re right, let’s have it. (I’m so tired)

[@wewillrust]

I've literally dumped in the trash all my MJ CDs and albums when I finally got around to watching the documentary with some of his victims speaking. I had to remove all of his songs from all of my playlists as well and made the decision to never again listen to one willingly. I don't regret my decision for a second.

[@mshinkle1]

I won't say that you putting your Gaiman books away is wrong. We each make our own decisions. However, I will say putting them away and saying that you don't like looking at them sounds as though you have made your decision concerning Gaimam's potential guilt, and if he were to be potentially be found innocent, do you think your opinion on his works would change and they be displayed on your shelf again?

[@localabsurdist6661]

People who say that they find it hard to disengage with media that has been made by terrible people simply lack empathy imo. I loved some of his books, others I never finished bc of the weird and questionable s3x scenes. This happens more than once in his books. With most problematic author you can find stuff that shows how the truly think about the people they hurt/hate. JKR and some other hateful authors are good examples of this too. Separation of art and artist is method done for analyzing, not for buying and reading books. Authors put so much of themselves in their books. That’s why they are the author and not one of the other billion people on this planet. When reading, listening or watching books made a terrible people, I can’t stop thinking about the victims and how they ruined their lives. So yeah I already got rid of his books weeks ago. Even the ones I would have considered favorite of mine before hearing the news

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

⚛️❤

[@xxberzerkerxx90]

Gaiman has always claimed to be a feminist so this tracks