LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors announced Friday that no charges will be filed against Marilyn Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, after an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated the allegations were too old to prosecute under the law and lacked sufficient evidence to move forward.
“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 said. “We recognize and applaud the courage of the women who came forward and thank them for their patience throughout this investigation.”
Investigation Timeline
The investigation launched nearly four years ago, focused on alleged incidents between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Manson resided at the time.
In 2021, LA County sheriff’s detectives executed a search warrant at Manson’s home. The case, initially handed to prosecutors in September 2021, was delayed after the District Attorney’s Office requested additional evidence-gathering.
Earlier this year, then-District Attorney George Gascón revealed that new leads had been pursued, adding to what he called an “already extensive” file.
Marilyn Manson: Legal Team Responds
Manson’s attorney, Howard King, welcomed the decision, 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 from the beginning — Brian Warner is innocent.”
Esmé Bianco and Allegations of Abuse
Esmé Bianco, best known for her role in Game of Thrones, was among the accusers involved in the criminal investigation. Bianco also filed a civil lawsuit against Manson, alleging sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
At a rally in October, Bianco expressed frustration with the legal process, stating:
“Almost four years ago, I did what victims of rape are supposed to do: I went to the police. I described in agonizing detail how Brian Warner had raped and abused me.”
Bianco said she provided authorities with substantial evidence, including photos of injuries, threatening messages, and other documentation.
Her civil lawsuit, which also alleged violations of human trafficking laws, was settled in 2022.
Evan Rachel Wood’s Allegations
In 2021, Manson’s former fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, publicly accused him of abuse, alleging he began grooming her as a teenager. Their relationship, which became public in 2007, ended in 2010 after a brief engagement.
“He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years,” Wood said.
Manson denied the allegations, calling them “horrible distortions of reality.” He later filed a lawsuit against Wood, claiming she fabricated the accusations and encouraged others to do the same. However, Manson dropped the lawsuit in November 2023 and agreed to pay Wood’s attorney fees.
Manson’s Legacy
Marilyn Manson rose to fame in the 1990s, known for his provocative image and hit songs like “The Beautiful People.” Despite his success with albums such as Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals, his career has been marred by controversy.
While the decision not to prosecute concludes one legal chapter, the accusations have left a lasting impact on Manson’s career and public perception.
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FAQ’S
What were the allegations against Marilyn Manson?
- Marilyn Manson faced multiple accusations of sexual assault and domestic violence from several women, including actress Evan Rachel Wood. The allegations spanned incidents from 2009 to 2011. ElHuffPost
Why were no charges filed against him?
- The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office cited two primary reasons: the statute of limitations had expired for the domestic violence allegations, and there was insufficient evidence to prove the sexual assault claims beyond a reasonable doubt. New York Post
How long did the investigation last?
- The investigation spanned four years, beginning in February 2021 and concluding in January 2025. ElHuffPost
Who is Evan Rachel Wood, and what was her involvement?
- Evan Rachel Wood is an actress and Manson’s former fiancée. In 2021, she publicly accused Manson of grooming and abuse, leading to further allegations from other women. Following the DA’s decision not to press charges, Wood expressed pride in the survivors who came forward and emphasized the importance of better laws to protect victims. Page Six
How did other accusers react to the DA’s decision?
- Actress Esmé Bianco, another accuser, expressed disappointment, criticizing the justice system for failing survivors. She highlighted systemic issues in obtaining justice for abuse victims. New York Post
What is the statute of limitations, and how did it affect this case?
- The statute of limitations sets a time limit within which legal proceedings must be initiated. In this case, the domestic violence allegations were deemed to have occurred too long ago to prosecute, leading to the decision not to file charges. Vulture
Did Marilyn Manson respond to the allegations?
- Manson has consistently denied the allegations. His attorney stated that the DA’s decision not to file charges vindicated Manson, asserting his innocence. People.com
Were there any legal reforms related to this case?
- Evan Rachel Wood advocated for the Phoenix Act, which aims to extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence felony crimes and improve police training. She emphasized the importance of such reforms following the DA’s decision. People.com
What impact did the allegations have on Manson’s career?
- Following the allegations, Manson faced significant professional repercussions, including being dropped by his record label and facing public backlash. Aktuelle Nachrichten | BILD.de
Is the case against Marilyn Manson completely closed?
- The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has concluded its investigation and decided not to file charges. However, civil lawsuits and public discourse continue, keeping the matter in the public eye. New York Post
