Marilyn Manson, the controversial rock star known for his shock-rock persona, will not face charges following accusations of sexual assault and domestic violence, California prosecutors confirmed on Friday. The decision concludes a lengthy investigation initiated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which had been probing claims made by several women against Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated, "We have determined the allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt." This declaration is the result of nearly four years of inquiry, which saw the investigation revived after prosecutors requested additional evidence.
Hochman praised the women who supported the investigation, saying, "We recognize 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." His statement also acknowledged the broader impact of the women's advocacy on increasing awareness around the obstacles faced by survivors of sexual abuse.
The allegations against Manson have been extensive, with over a dozen women reporting incidents ranging from sexual assault to domestic violence. Among Manson's most notable accusers are ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood and actress Esmé Bianco, both of whom have publicly chronicled their experiences with the singer.
Wood alleged on social media back in February 2021, detailing years of horrific abuse and manipulation during their relationship, which began when she was just 19. She claimed Manson "groomed" her and abused her, culminating in her stating, "I was brainwashed and manipulated to submission." These serious allegations spurred significant media attention and contributed to Manson facing civil lawsuits, resulting in one case being settled as recently as January 2023.
Bianco, who also claimed Manson subjected her to physical and sexual abuse, originally filed her lawsuit against him and expressed disappointment at the D.A.'s decision not to pursue criminal charges. After the announcement, she said, "I am deeply disappointed by the decision of the District Attorney to not bring charges," attributing it to what she describes as the justice system's failures to support survivors adequately.
Manson's attorney, Howard King, celebrated the decision, declaring, "We are very pleased... the District Attorney has concluded what we knew from the start: Brian Warner is innocent." Throughout the investigations, Manson has consistently denied all allegations against him, branding the claims as false and manipulative attacks on his character.
Specifically, the investigation looked deeply at allegations stemming from incidents reported to have occurred between 2009 and 2011. Manson's West Hollywood home was raided by detectives who seized various media storage devices during their probe. The scrutiny was not only emblematic of the serious nature of the allegations but also illustrated the powers of the law enforcement agencies involved.
Despite the D.A.'s announcement, voices from the activist community and those close to the survivors have raised alarms about the inadequacies of the legal system to address such extensive allegations against powerful figures. Caroline Heldman, who has organized rallies supporting survivors, lamented, "The decision feels like a slap in the face, showcasing how the legal system does not work for survivors, particularly when the accused is well-known."
Over the years, Manson has faced significant professional fallout from these allegations. Following the surfacing of numerous claims, he was dropped by his record label and booking agent and lost significant roles including his participation on popular shows such as American Gods and Creepshow.
Despite the cloud of controversy hanging over him, Manson has continued to perform and recently launched new U.S. tour dates following international gigs. His career showcases the complex relationship between fame, accountability, and public perception, as many fans remain divided over the allegations and his artistic contributions.
While this conclusion may relieve Manson, it highlights deep-seated issues surrounding sexual assault allegations, statute limitations, and the cultural climate of victim support. Hochman's statement also mentioned the importance of reforming laws to provide greater protection and support for survivors of sexual violence, responding to the bravery shown by those who came forward. The long-term impacts of this case will likely continue to influence discussions around accountability, consent, and the deep societal changes needed to support victims more effectively.