Los Angeles County District Attorney announced on Friday that Marilyn Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, will not face charges following a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. The decision was made based on the age of the allegations and insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
The investigation, which began nearly four years ago, involved incidents that allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Manson resided at the time. Despite the search warrant served at his residence and the collection of extensive evidence, prosecutors determined that the statute of limitations for domestic violence had expired, and there was not enough evidence to prove sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt.
One of the accusers, 'Game of Thrones' actor Esmé Bianco, who had previously sued Manson, revealed that she was part of the criminal investigation. Bianco detailed instances of rape and abuse she experienced during her relationship with Manson, providing authorities with numerous pieces of evidence to support her claims.
In a separate case, Manson's former fiancée, 'Westworld' actor Evan Rachel Wood, publicly accused him of abuse in 2021. Wood alleged that Manson had groomed and abused her for years, starting when she was a teenager. Manson denied the accusations and filed a lawsuit against Wood, which was later dropped, and he agreed to pay her attorney fees.
Despite the decision not to press charges, the District Attorney commended the courage of the women who came forward and cooperated with the investigation. Manson's attorney expressed relief at the conclusion, asserting his client's innocence based on the thorough review of the evidence.
Manson, a controversial figure in the music industry known for his provocative persona and hit songs, has faced multiple accusations of misconduct over the years. The legal proceedings surrounding these allegations have drawn attention to the challenges survivors of abuse encounter within the justice system.
