Marilyn Manson, the notorious rock musician known for his controversial image and provocative music, has been cleared of criminal charges following a comprehensive four-year investigation into allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office made the announcement on Friday, stating that after an in-depth review, no charges would be filed against the singer. This decision follows accusations from several women, including actress Evan Rachel Wood, who had accused Manson of grooming her as a teenager and subjecting her to abuse throughout their relationship.
According to LA District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, a team of experienced prosecutors from the Sex Crimes Division, along with detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, led the investigation into Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner. After carefully evaluating the evidence, the DA’s office concluded that the allegations of domestic violence fell outside of the statute of limitations, meaning they could no longer be prosecuted. Additionally, the office determined that they could not prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt.
Despite the outcome of the investigation, Hochman took the opportunity to commend the women who came forward with their accusations, acknowledging their bravery and resilience. He emphasized that their actions had contributed significantly to raising awareness about the challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, noting that their advocacy had strengthened the voices of victims within the criminal justice system. Hochman also pointed out that the work of these women had led to improvements in how prosecutorial offices across the country handle cases of domestic violence, allowing for greater accountability for perpetrators.
While no criminal charges will be brought against Manson, the decision is a significant moment in a years-long saga that has cast a shadow over his career. Manson’s attorney, Howard King, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that after a lengthy and thorough investigation, the DA’s office had ultimately confirmed what Manson and his legal team had always maintained—his innocence. “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,” King said in a statement.
Manson has not publicly commented on the DA’s decision yet but used his social media platform, specifically his Instagram Stories, to promote his upcoming North American tour dates. This suggests that he is moving forward with his career, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding him.
The investigation into Manson’s alleged misconduct began in early 2021 after his ex-fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, made a public statement accusing him of grooming her when she was just a teenager and subjecting her to years of physical and emotional abuse. Wood described her experience in a lengthy Instagram post, stating that she had been “brainwashed and manipulated into submission” by Manson. Her allegations prompted other women to come forward with similar accusations, including model Sarah McNeilly, who claimed that Manson locked her in rooms as punishment and forced her to listen to him entertain other women, leaving her emotionally abused and traumatized. Additionally, actress Esmé Bianco, known for her role in Game of Thrones, also accused Manson of abusing her.
Manson’s legal team has consistently denied all the allegations, calling the claims “provably false.” In response to Wood’s accusations, Manson filed a defamation lawsuit against her, but he eventually dropped the lawsuit in November 2022. This legal battle was one of many high-profile incidents in Manson’s ongoing struggle with his reputation, which has been marred by accusations of abuse from multiple women.
In addition to the defamation lawsuit, Manson was the subject of an FBI investigation and a police probe into the sexual assault claims. In November 2021, law enforcement officials conducted a search of Manson’s home as part of the ongoing investigation. Despite these efforts, the DA’s office ultimately determined that there was insufficient evidence to bring charges against Manson. The conclusion of the investigation marks the end of a prolonged legal battle, but it is unlikely to silence the ongoing debate about the accusations against him.
This is not the first time that Manson has faced legal scrutiny over allegations of sexual abuse. In 2018, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue charges related to incidents from 2011, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations and a lack of corroborating evidence. However, the dismissal of these charges did not end the public discussion surrounding Manson’s behavior, and the new investigation, which included multiple accusers, reignited interest in the case.
As Manson’s legal troubles continue to fade into the background, the question of accountability for allegations of abuse remains a central issue in the broader conversation about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry. While Manson himself is celebrating this latest legal victory, the women who came forward with their stories have made significant strides in ensuring that the voices of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are heard. Though the legal system may not have found enough evidence to charge Manson, the advocacy of his accusers has led to increased awareness of the pervasive issues of abuse and exploitation in the industry, contributing to the growing movement toward justice for survivors.
