Neil Gaiman and his wife announce they're divorcing after 11-year open marriage breaks down

Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer have taken to Twitter to announce they are divorcing after an 11-year open marriage.

The Sandman author, 61, and musician, 46, made the announcement on their respective social media pages on 4 November alongside a picture of them with their son.

The couple wrote: "After many years of marriage, we have made the difficult decision to divorce.

"While we will no longer be partners in marriage, we will remain in one another's lives as co-parents committed to raising our wonderful son in a loving and compassionate environment.

"We deeply appreciate everyone respecting our family's privacy so we can focus on our son and entering this new chapter in our lives."

This statement was shared alongside a poignant photograph of the famous pair holding their son's hands as they walked into the distance.

Twitter / neilhimself

While it is not known why the couple divorced, the announcement comes after Gaiman hit the headlines back in 2020 for breaking lockdown rules to travel from New Zealand to his holiday home in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, when he and Palmer were 'in a rough place.'

The author said of the decision to leave his wife, who is known as a member of the Dresden Dolls, and son: "My fault, I'm afraid, I'd hurt her feelings very badly and... we agreed we needed to give each other some space."

However, despite going through this rough patch, the couple were able to reconcile, albeit temporarily, and Gaiman returned to New Zealand to be with his family nine months later after applying for a visa on compassionate grounds.

Reacting to news of the divorce, Doctor Who writer, James Moran, said: "Very sorry to hear this, and hope you all find the space to get through it. Big cuddles to you all."

Alamy / SOPA Images Limited

Fans were also quick to express their sadness that the couple had split, but took the opportunity to wish them all the best for the future.

One wrote: "Well… damn. I was really hoping you two could have worked things out. Glad you're still able to come together for the kiddo. He's [lucky] to have two amazing and loving parents."

"Much love to you both," added a second. "Decisions like this are always hard to make. May your co-parenting be without strife."

"I'm sorry," wrote a third. "What a beautiful continued commitment. I'm glad it's as amicable as it can be."

Gaiman and Palmer first began dating in 2009 before getting married in 2011. The couple previously spoke of how their marriage wasn't monogamous, but they decided to 'shut down' the open part of their relationship when their son turned four.