Neil Gaiman’s ‘Coraline’, other works marked by horrific claims

On By Littum

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As soon as the first leaf turns orange and gently falls on my Dr. Marten boots, I know the time has come for my annual “Coraline” reunion.

The gothic claymation film, released in 2009, is adapted from award-winning novelist Neil Gaiman’s book of the same name. I first saw it on New Year’s Eve 2010, curled up on my grandparents’ living room couch with my older sister while a thunderstorm raged outside, and its inviting creepiness has brought me comfort ever since. Last year, my best friend decorated my birthday cake to reflect the iconic “Welcome Home!” cake in the movie.

A month later, five women on the British podcast “Tortoise” alleged that Gaiman had sexually assaulted them from 1986 to 2022.

And on Monday, Vulture published a report outlining nine allegations against Gaiman, including the five revealed last summer. The report brought these allegations to a larger audience, including myself, for the first time.

The article was graphic and outlined the horrors of the alleged abuse in excruciating detail. As a reader, it filled me with discomfort; not only because of my empathy for the alleged victims, but because the news that the writer who wrote the story behind my favorite movie was accused of something so disturbing came as a shock.

In a letter posted to his website, he denied the allegations: “I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

He is far from the first admired celebrity to be accused of sexual misconduct, and it can be painful for fans to learn that a notable figure may not be who they thought they were. After taking it all in, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “How can I watch ‘Coraline’ again?”

The article was intended to be unpleasant. Why?

Graphic narratives about sexual abuse capture – and retain – readers’ attention.

Nicole Bederaauthor of “On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence,” says most readers react in a similar way, asking themselves, “Is it bad enough that I should stop being a fan of this man?”

“That’s part of the reason a lot of journalists will write these articles to be so graphic,” she explains. “Because if they’re not graphic, people are pretty quick to separate the art from the artist and try to keep supporting that person.”

Cognitive biases like the “halo effect” can protect a public figure’s image in the face of allegations of sexual misconduct, according to Elizabeth L. Jeglica clinical psychologist and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.

“We have a perception of who we believe famous people are, often based on the art they create and the characters they portray,” says Jeglic. “When their behavior directly contradicts this, it’s hard to see them the same way and there’s a sense of betrayal.”

Often it takes several allegations for the public to change their opinion of an alleged abuser. But Jeglic says graphic details can also be harmful to some.

“If survivors are still working through their trauma, being reminded of situations similar to the trauma you’re experiencing can reactivate your PTSD symptoms,” she says.

And Bedera warns that graphic narratives can sensationalize sexual violence and raise the level of what people consider violent enough to withdraw their support.

In her research on perpetrators of sexual violence in universities, she found that school officials were less likely to intervene in violence that seemed more common. “They would say things like, ‘He’s no Harvey Weinstein,'” she explains.

And misogynistic fans can create a cult-like following behind celebrities accused of shocking violence.

“If you react with disgust, there are misogynistic readers who react with awe, and that’s how the new fandom can be created,” says Bedera.

Can you separate art from the artist?

The short and clear answer is no, says Bedera.

For the most part, though, allegations of sexual assault and intimate partner violence don’t hurt a celebrity’s career, according to Bedera. For example, Chris Brown, who was allegedly “cancelled” after assaulting Rihanna, his then-girlfriend, fill arenas on his 2024 tour.

To counter this, Bedera says people can “withdraw their fandom.”

“This is not a neutral thing. Once these articles come out, you can’t go back to a time before anyone knew,” she says. “So when we decide whether we want to continue to engage in work or not, we have to think, ‘Do I want this person to be more powerful than ever?'”

But is there a threshold for how much one can engage in art, even if one does not want to support the artist?

That answer is more complicated.

Bedera says if there’s a song or movie you can’t give up, treat yourself to it in private. Don’t share it with others or play it in public, don’t buy tickets to see the person at concerts or theaters, and don’t wear their merchandise.

“It feels very strange to be looking for a way to consume the art without compensating the artist,” she says. “If I think someone really doesn’t deserve compensation, maybe it’s time to put it away.”

Jeglic agrees that it’s hard to consume someone’s art knowing they may have hurt others.

“Getting pleasure and enjoyment from the person who has done harm can feel like a betrayal of those who have been harmed,” she explains.

Bedera recommends that people look to other creators the artist has worked with and even their victims, who are sometimes artists themselves. By diverting your attention and financial resources from the person who has been accused of abuse, you can “help prevent that person from becoming more powerful and perhaps cut off the power they already have.”

For me, my connection to “Coraline” was never about Gaiman himself. When I first saw the movie 15 years ago, I’m not sure I knew it was based on his book.

So I’m unlikely to burn my copy of “Coraline” or delete the photos with my pink and yellow birthday cake — the damage is already done.

But the next time “Coraline” returns to theaters, as it has for the past two summers, I’ll save the $20 and stop convincing all my friends to go with me.