David Tennant's 'uncomfortable' response to Neil Gaiman sexual assault claims on ITV's The Assembly

Daily Record

29-04-2025

David Tennant was asked about the Neil Gaiman sexual assault allegations for the first time during his stint on ITV's The Assembly. The Scots actor, 54, was questioned by a crowd of neuro-divergent, autistic and learning disabled young people on a range of subjects from his feud with JK Rowling to a secret he has never told anyone before. During the candid interview, which had no restrictions on questions, one person asked the Doctor Who star: "Someone you worked with, a friend, has been cancelled for some quite serious allegations. How has that affected you?" Tennant, who has worked alongside plenty of later-revealed controversial stars over the years including Noel Clarke and John Barrowman, replied: "'Who are we talking about?" The person asking the question confirmed they were referring to Good Omens creator, Gaiman, who has been hit with a series of sexual assault allegations which he has vehemently denied. In the question, the interviewer claimed Good Omens had 'been stopped' as a result of the allegations against the author and Tennant used his answer to clarify that the programme would be returning for a 90-minute finale episode rather than a third season, as originally planned. The actor, who co-leads the Amazon Prime show with Michael Sheen, replied: "We're doing Good Omens again". He continued: "We're doing a finale. There's been a slight rejig with the personnel [likely referring to Gaiman exiting as executive producer]. "But we still get to tell that story which I… It would have been very difficult to leave it on a cliffhanger. So I am glad that's been worked out." The allegations against the 64-year-old author, who is also behind shows like Netflix's Sandman, first came to light in July 2024. The New York Magazine later detailed claims from eight different women including a nanny, Scarlett Pavlovich, who alleged she was assaulted in the presence of Gaiman's five-year-old son. She also claimed to have been sexually assaulted in a bathtub, referred to as Gaiman's 'slave' multiple times and alleged that he ejaculated on her face despite her saying 'no'. As for Tennant's response to how the situation affected him, there was a mixed reaction by his response. One X user, @carolyneeetc, applauded him for 'giving a proper answer'. She wrote: "He dealt with it brilliantly. Really proud of him. And thank you David for being on our side." Another fan pointed out how 'uncomfortable' David came across during the exchange. User @felisa_elisa commented: "That was the most uncomfortable I have ever seen David Tennant look. He did not appreciate that question". Other argued that the Scots star appeared to point blank ignore the actual question. User @pelloo04 remarked: "No offense but he did dodge the question here. Made no comment about Neil Gaiman or how his 'cancellation' has affected him. Not hating on David Tennant, but applauding him for sidestepping making a comment on Gaiman or his actions isn't very commendable to me." User @firlows chimed in: "Maybe it's just me but that feels like him finding a way out of answering the actual question, which was 'how has what your friend did affected you." Elsewhere in the 20-minute episode, where 'no topics is off limits', Tennant discussed his support for trans rights, his relationship with God and was also visibly moved by a live rendition of Sunshine on Leith. Several of Gaiman's shows have come or are coming to end after the allegations which have been made against him. These include Good Omens and Netflix choosing to axe Dead Boys Detective and making the final season of The Sandman the last. Meanwhile the Disney adaptation of The Graveyard Book has been paused indefinitely. The Assembly is available to stream on ITVX.