AceShowbiz - Disney has hit the pause button on its adaptation of "The Graveyard Book" amid allegations of sexual assault leveled against its author Neil Gaiman. The film, which was set to be produced at Pinewood Studios under the direction of Marc Forster, has not been entirely scrapped, but its development has been stalled due to various factors, including the accusations.

Gaiman has been accused by five women of assault, including two who claim that he forced them into "rough and degrading" acts during consensual relationships. The claims span several years and have prompted a police investigation in New Zealand. Gaiman has denied any unlawful behavior.

The allegations were first published in a podcast series by Tortoise Media and have since been detailed in additional episodes of podcasts such as "Am I Broken: Survivor Stories".

Disney has declined to comment on the matter.

"The Graveyard Book", published in 2008, tells the story of a young boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard. The film adaptation had not yet entered pre-production and did not have any confirmed casting.

Gaiman had no involvement in the film, and had previously expressed that he had no control over the production.

The allegations against Gaiman have also led to the cancellation of a Netflix series based on characters he co-created, "Dead Boy Detectives".