Marilyn Manson, now 56, has been at the centre of multiple allegations in recent years.
Marilyn Manson will not face criminal charges for allegations of rape and domestic violence. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
After years of intense scrutiny and a lengthy investigation, shock rocker Marilyn Manson will reportedly not face criminal charges for allegations of rape and domestic violence. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the decision on Friday, bringing an official close to the four-year investigation into accusations levelled against Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner. In a detailed statement, District Attorney Nathan J Hochman explained the decision, citing two primary factors: the expiration of the statute of limitations on the domestic violence claims and insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the DA’s Sex Crimes Division and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, reports Entertainment Weekly.
“We recognise and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation,” the statement read. The DA’s office further emphasised the importance of the survivors’ advocacy, noting how their voices have shone a light on the obstacles faced by those who endure domestic abuse and sexual violence.
While no charges will be filed, Hochman reportedly reaffirmed the office’s dedication to pursuing justice for survivors. “We encourage anyone experiencing abuse to seek support and make a report to law enforcement as quickly as possible,” the statement concluded.
Manson’s attorney, Howard King, expressed relief at the outcome, stating, “We are very pleased that, after a thorough and incredibly lengthy review of all of the actual evidence, the District Attorney has concluded what we knew and expressed from the start: Brian Warner is innocent.”
Manson, now 56, has been at the centre of multiple allegations in recent years. High-profile accusations reportedly came from actress and former fiancee Evan Rachel Wood and Game of Thrones star Esme Bianco. Wood accused Manson of grooming her as a teenager and subjecting her to horrific abuse during their relationship, which she detailed in the 2022 HBO documentary Phoenix Rising. She also alleged that Manson “essentially raped” her during the filming of his Heart-Shaped Glasses music video. In response, Manson filed a defamation lawsuit against Wood in 2022 but later dropped the case, agreeing to pay her legal fees.
Bianco filed her own civil lawsuit in 2021, accusing Manson of sexual assault and human trafficking. That case was settled in 2023, informs Entertainment Weekly.
Reacting to the DA’s decision not to press charges, Bianco shared her disappointment but acknowledged it didn’t come as a surprise. “Once again, our justice system has failed survivors,” she wrote in a social media post on Friday.
“My healing and peace could not be reliant upon the outcome of a desperately broken system.” She ended her message with a pointed note directed at Manson. “By you dragging me through hell, I discovered the unstoppable force of my own power,” her statement read.
