The long-running investigation into sexual assault and domestic violence allegations against rock musician Marilyn Manson has concluded without criminal charges. The decision marks a significant development in a case that has drawn widespread attention since multiple women, including prominent actresses, came forward with accusations against the controversial artist.
No charges filed in Manson investigation
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Friday that prosecutors will not pursue charges against Marilyn Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner. According to Hochman, the allegations fall outside the statute of limitations, and there was insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond reasonable doubt.
“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,” Hochman stated.
Investigation details and evidence gathered
The investigation, which began in early 2021, focused on alleged incidents between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Manson’s residence and collected extensive evidence over nearly four years.
Among the accusers who publicly identified themselves was “Game of Thrones” actress Esmé Bianco. At a recent rally, she described providing investigators with substantial evidence, including “photos of my body covered in bites, bruises and knife wounds, emails and text messages, threats to my immigration status.”
Notable allegations and legal proceedings
“Westworld” actress Evan Rachel Wood, who was previously engaged to Manson, made public accusations in 2021 via Instagram, stating, “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years.” Their relationship became public in 2007 when she was 19 and he was 38.
Manson has consistently denied all allegations, calling them “horrible distortions of reality” on Instagram. He filed a lawsuit against Wood alleging fabrication of accusations, but later dropped it and agreed to pay her attorney fees after a judge dismissed significant portions of the case.
Bianco had also filed a civil lawsuit against Manson, alleging violations of human trafficking laws and various forms of abuse. That case has since been settled.
The 56-year-old shock rocker, known for hits like “The Beautiful People” and albums such as “Antichrist Superstar” (1996) and “Mechanical Animals” (1998), rose to fame in the mid-1990s, building a career marked by both musical success and deliberate controversy.
