Prosecutors in Los Angeles have announced that they will not pursue charges against Marilyn Manson, following a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. The decision, as stated by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, is based on the age of the allegations and insufficient evidence to support the claims against the 56-year-old musician, whose real name is Brian Warner.
“We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt,” Hochman explained. He commended the bravery of the women who came forward and expressed gratitude for their cooperation throughout the investigation.
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The investigation into Manson’s conduct began nearly four years ago, with then-District Attorney George Gascón asserting as recently as October 9 that his office was pursuing new leads to add to the already substantial file on the musician.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives had been investigating incidents allegedly occurring between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Manson resided at the time. This probe included executing a search warrant at his home. Initially handed over to prosecutors in September 2021, the case required further evidence-gathering, prompting the investigation to resume.
Howard King, Manson’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with 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.” The identities of the women involved in the investigation have not been disclosed. However, Esmé Bianco, an actor known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” has been publicly associated with the case. Bianco had previously sued Manson in a lawsuit that has since been settled.
Bianco expressed frustration over the protracted nature of the investigation at a rally for Hochman, who was elected shortly afterward. She had detailed her allegations to law enforcement, describing how Manson, known for his flamboyant stage persona, had raped and abused her during their relationship. Bianco claimed to have provided investigators with “hundreds of pieces of evidence,” including photographs of injuries and threatening communications related to her immigration status.
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In her lawsuit, Bianco accused Manson of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, also alleging that he violated human trafficking laws by bringing her to California under false pretenses of roles in music videos and movies. Despite her disappointment in the District Attorney’s decision, Bianco’s statement emphasized her lack of surprise, attributing the outcome to systemic failures rather than the efforts of individual prosecutors and detectives.
Evan Rachel Wood, another of Manson’s former partners and a “Westworld” actor, publicly named him as her abuser in 2021 through an Instagram post. Their relationship, which began when Wood was 19 and Manson was 38, ended in 2010 after a brief engagement. Wood accused Manson of grooming her as a teenager and subjecting her to years of abuse.
Manson responded to these claims on Instagram, dismissing them as “horrible distortions of reality.” He subsequently filed a lawsuit against Wood, alleging she and another woman fabricated accusations and persuaded others to follow suit. However, significant portions of the suit were dismissed, and Manson eventually agreed to drop the case and cover Wood’s legal fees.
The Associated Press typically refrains from naming individuals alleging sexual abuse unless they choose to speak out publicly, as Bianco and Wood have done. Manson faced additional lawsuits from other women following Wood’s public statements, although her representatives have not commented on the recent developments.
Manson rose to fame in the mid-1990s, gaining notoriety for courting controversy alongside producing hit songs like “The Beautiful People” and albums such as “Antichrist Superstar” and “Mechanical Animals.” His provocative image and performances have long been a subject of public and media interest, contributing to his polarizing persona.
The decision by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office marks a significant moment in a saga that has captivated public attention. Despite the lack of criminal charges, the allegations against Manson have sparked broader discussions about accountability and justice in cases of alleged abuse in the entertainment industry.
The case underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in pursuing justice for historical allegations, particularly in situations where evidence may be scarce or time-barred by legal constraints.
While the investigation did not result in criminal charges, it has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on those involved and the wider community. The bravery of individuals like Bianco and Wood in coming forward highlights the ongoing struggle for survivors seeking justice and recognition in a system that can often seem dauntingly opaque and resistant to change.
As the legal chapter closes, the cultural conversation continues, with many advocating for reforms that would better support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable, irrespective of their fame or influence. The case serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry and the persistent need for vigilance and advocacy in the pursuit of justice and equality.
