Author Neil Gaiman has been accused of sexual assault by two women. The writer has denied the allegations.

As per an article and podcast by Tortoise, Gaiman is the subject of a police investigation in New Zealand and has strongly denied any accusation of non-consensual sex. He also responded to the publication saying “New Zealand police did not take up his offer of assistance over one woman’s complaint in 2022,” something he says reflects its lack of substance.

Tortoise report that New Zealand police made a “number of attempts to speak to key people as part of this investigation and those efforts remain ongoing” adding that “a number of factors to take into consideration with this case, including location of all parties”.

The allegations span across two decades and come from women who Gaiman was reportedly in a consensual relationship with. However, the women argue they experienced what the publication describe as “rough and degrading” sex which they claim was not always consensual.

One woman alleges Gaiman sexually assaulted her within hours of their first meeting in a bath at his New Zealand residence. The second woman met Gaiman during a book signing and began a consensual relationship with him two years later.

She alleges that there were occasions where she submitted to rough and painful sex “she neither wanted nor enjoyed” and that on another occasion she didn’t consent to sex.

Gaiman has denied the allegations from both women.

Gaiman is a prolific author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels and screen plays and his work has been adapted by both Netflix and Amazon, as well as for Hollywood films.

Gaiman also created the acclaimed graphic novel, The Sandman, which was later turned into a Netflix series.

NME has reached out to representatives of Gaiman for comment.