Council leader demands cancellation of Marilyn Manson show in UK
Millie Earl, the leader of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, has urged promoters to cancel Marilyn Manson‘s upcoming show in Bournemouth.
The legal proceedings began in 2021 when he was accused by his former fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, of sexual abuse. Later, more than a dozen women came forward with claims of sexual abuse, rape, psychological abuse and assault.
In January, prosecutors in California confirmed that an investigation into Manson, real name Brian Warner, following a series of sexual assault and domestic violence allegations, had been dropped. Warner, who was never charged, strongly denied the accusations through his legal team, labelling the claims as “falsehoods”.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement when the investigation was dropped: “We cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt. We recognise and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences.”
Now, Manson is set to tour the UK later this year, including a headline performance at Bournemouth International Centre on October 31st. Despite the venue being owned by the council, it is operated by BH Live, who Earl has contacted to “reinforce the message that violence against women and girls isn’t something that’s acceptable in our community.”
Earl said: “Because of our lease arrangement with them, we don’t have any input into the decisions that are made, the acts that are appearing, although I have actually written to BH Live to express my concern.”
The Liberal Democrat politician continued: “I don’t feel Marilyn Manson reflects the values we have in BCP and we’ve been doing a lot of work around things like the White Ribbon accreditation scheme which helps men and boys change negative, damaging behaviours. So I have asked that BH Live reconsider hosting Marilyn Manson later this year.”
Manson, who begins the North American leg of his tour next month, is also set to play headline dates in Manchester, Brighton, Cardiff and a huge date at London’s OVO Wembley Arena on November 7th.
BH Live are yet to respond to Earl’s comments.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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