Marilyn Manson: Rape charges dropped

Shock rocker Marilyn Manson (56) does not have to stand trial. After a four-year investigation, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that no charges will be filed against the 56-year-old. The allegations of domestic violence were outside the statute of limitations, and the allegations of sexual assault could not have been proven beyond a doubt.

The investigation focused on alleged incidents between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Manson was living at the time. Several women, including his ex-fiancée, actress Evan Rachel Wood (37), and “Game of Thrones” actress Esmé Bianco (42), had accused the artist, known by his real name Brian Warner, of sexual violence and abuse.

“We recognize and salute the courage and perseverance of the women who came forward and shared their experiences,” said District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. Even though no charges could be filed in this case, the determined actions of the women affected helped to create greater awareness of the challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The prosecution emphasized that it remains committed to seeking justice for survivors of abuse whenever legally possible. Victims were encouraged to contact law enforcement as soon as possible after incidents. A statement from Manson’s lawyers was not immediately available. Manson has so far denied all allegations. Manson surprisingly withdrew a countersuit for defamation until the end of November 2024. At that time he had to pay Wood around 300,000 euros in legal fees.