Good Omens writer Neil Gaiman has split from wife Amanda Palmer after nine years of marriage.
The British author, 59, confirmed the separation on his Twitter page on Monday after American singer Amanda, 44, blogged about the couple’s marital woes on her Patreon page.
In the blog Amanda revealed she was in lockdown with their son Anthony, known as ‘Ash’, four, in New Zealand while Neil had ‘returned to the UK’, and wrote that her heart was ‘broken.’
Over: Good Omens writer Neil Gaiman has split from wife Amanda Palmer after nine years of marriage (pictured May 2019)
Writing on her Patreon page on Sunday, Dresden Dolls singer Amanda said: ‘Since people are getting confused and asking and my phone and inbox is blowing up with ‘where’s Neil ?’ a few times a minute …
‘I can only gather that he’s finally told the internet that he’s left New Zealand, and I thought I would come here with a short note.’
In her statement, she wrote: ‘I’m still in lockdown here in New Zealand with 4-yr-old Ash for the foreseeable future.
‘All i can say is that i’m heartbroken, I really am profoundly struggling and I need to call my community to me like never before. i need you.
Happier times: The British author, 59, confirmed the separation on his Twitter page on Monday after American singer Amanda, 44, blogged about the couple’s marital woes on her Patreon page (pictured 2013)
Family: In the blog Amanda revealed she was in lockdown with their son Anthony, known as ‘Ash’, four, in New Zealand while Neil had ‘returned to the UK’, and wrote that her heart was ‘broken’ (pictured 2018)
‘I am so far from home and so alone right now. I do not know what is going to happen.
’So you all know: this did not happen because of COVID or lockdown, though the timing is comically bad; other things came to light after we got here to New Zealand.
In fairness to all, and to keep little ash (who will not always be little) protected, the details aren’t for the public.
‘My commitment to radical compassion has not shifted. i am trying. i have a great deal of compassion for Neil. I always have and always will. I love him, deeply.
After Amanda released her statement, American Gods author Neil took to Twitter and wrote: ‘I see @amandapalmer has told people that we (like much of the world) are going through rocky times right now.
Candid: Amanda wrote a lengthy post about the couple’s marital woes
Response: After Amanda released her statement, American Gods author Neil took to Twitter and wrote: ‘I see @amandapalmer has told people that we (like much of the world) are going through rocky times right now5’
‘It is true, we are. It’s really hard, and I’d like to request privacy (as I’m not going to be talking about it publicly) and kindness, for us and for Ash.’
Amanda responded: ‘Thank you Neil. Since many people are asking; no, what we are going through isn’t a result of the lockdown or COVID.
‘And we thank everybody for your well-wishes, respect, understanding and kindness. you’re all the best.’
She also wrote: ‘To everyone sending me messages of support, rage & condolences – thank you. I’ve got the kid full time in lockdown & wish i could spend time answering.
‘Neil moved to the UK, my heart has been broken, and i am really struggling. your love & support means a lot to me. thank you.
Twitter: Amanda was quick to respond to Neil on Twitter as she spoke candidly about the marriage breakdown
‘I am grateful to all the people on the internet who are being kind. to me. to my family. to one another. we are all having a hard time. Keep being one of the kind people.
‘I posted a few more words here. i love you all so much. i love Neil. this is all very hard. thank you for your care. I got you if you got me, people.’
Neil is known for being the co-creator of 1990 fantasy novel Good Omens alongside the late Terry Pratchett.
Neil is also known for writing The Sandman, Coraline, Stardust and American Gods.
The couple began dating in 2009, and announced their engagement in 2010 before having a non-legally binding ‘flash-mob’ wedding later that year.
They legally married in January 2011, with Amanda giving birth to the couple’s son Ash in September 2015.
The couple had previously spoken candidly about their open marriage. In 2019 Palmer told The Times: ‘We’ve both shattered one another’s hearts occasionally through bad choices, but our relationship stands it.
‘We’re not interested in having big, multiple relationships. We’re just slutty, but compassionately so.’
He was previously married to Mary McGrath from 1985 to 2007, with the former couple sharing three children.
Last photo: Neil last shared a photo with Amanda in March this year