Marilyn Manson facing no charges after sexual assault investigation dropped
The long-running investigation into Marilyn Manson over sexual assault and domestic violence allegations has been dropped, prosecutors in California said on January 24th.
The legal proceedings started in 2021 when the musician – real name Brian Warner – was accused by his former fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, of sexual abuse. Following those accusations, more than a dozen women came forward with claims of sexual abuse, rape, psychological abuse and assault.
These saw multiple civil lawsuits filed against the musician, and an investigation into alleged domestic violence was launched by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Warner denied all wrongdoing but was dropped by his label, manager and talent agent. He also brought a defamation case forward against Wood. That was dropped in November 2024.
Now, prosecutors have confirmed that Warner will not be facing any charges over the sexual assault allegations. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the allegations were outside the statute of limitations and that there was insufficient evidence against Warner.
He said: “We cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt”. Adding: “We recognise and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences.”
The four women who filed lawsuits accusing Warner of sexual and physical abuse were model Ashley Morgan Smithline, Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco and Warner’s former personal assistant Ashley Walters. The fourth woman chose to remain anonymous.
Warner’s attorney, Howard King, told the BBC that they are “very pleased” with the decision, and noted that his client has always maintained his innocence. The news comes just days after Wood detailed Warner’s alleged abuse in the new Channel 4 documentary Marilyn Manson Unmasked, saying she “felt so fucking violated.”
Elsewhere, in October 2024, Bianco, one of the most high-profile Warner accusers, openly criticised the prosecutors’ handling of the case. She implored the authorities to make a decision, whether that be a positive or negative one, after waiting for so long.
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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