No criminal charges for Marilyn Manson: sexual assault investigation dropped

Marilyn Manson, the controversial rock star, will not face charges after a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Los Angeles County prosecutors made the announcement on Friday, ending a probe that lasted several years.

Legal decision explained

Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, faced accusations spanning over a decade. The LA County District Attorney’s Office, led by Nathan Hochman, said the evidence was insufficient and the allegations were too old under the law. Prosecutors stated that domestic violence charges were barred by the statute of limitations, and they couldn’t prove sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt.

“We acknowledge the courage of the women who came forward and thank them for their cooperation,” Hochman added.

Investigation timeline

The investigation, which began almost four years ago, centered on incidents from 2009 to 2011, during Manson’s time in West Hollywood. The case included a search warrant executed at his home. Initially turned over to prosecutors in September 2021, the case was delayed as more evidence was gathered. Eventually, in late 2023, prosecutors concluded their review and decided not to pursue charges.

Manson’s attorney, Howard King, celebrated the decision. “We are pleased that, after thorough examination, the DA has concluded what we knew all along — Brian Warner is innocent,” he said.

Bianco’s involvement in the case

Notably, actress Esmé Bianco, known for her role in Game of Thrones, was involved in the investigation. Bianco had previously sued Manson for abuse, claiming sexual, physical, and emotional mistreatment during their relationship. She also accused him of violating human trafficking laws. The lawsuit has since been settled.

Before the DA’s decision, Bianco spoke out, criticizing the delay in the investigation. “Almost four years ago, I went to the police and shared my story,” she said, recounting painful details of abuse. She provided investigators with photos, texts, and other evidence, hoping for justice.

Bianco’s disappointment was clear after the DA’s announcement. “Once again, the justice system has failed survivors,” she said in a statement. She acknowledged the effort of the detectives but expressed frustration with the overall legal process.

Wood’s accusations and Manson’s response

In 2021, Manson’s former fiancée, actress Evan Rachel Wood, also accused him of abuse. Wood’s accusations came publicly for the first time in an Instagram post, where she described the years of manipulation and mistreatment she endured. Wood and Manson’s relationship began in 2007 when he was 38, and she was just 19. They briefly got engaged in 2010 before breaking up.

Manson denied the allegations, calling Wood’s claims “horrible distortions of reality.” In response, he filed a lawsuit against Wood and another woman, accusing them of fabricating stories about him. However, a judge dismissed key parts of the suit, and in November, Manson dropped the case and agreed to pay Wood’s attorney fees.

More Women come forward

Many other women came forward with accusations after Wood’s statement. While the DA’s office did not publicly name all the women involved, the investigation included multiple testimonies and pieces of evidence.

The end of a long legal battle

Marilyn Manson, known for his shock-rock persona, rose to fame in the 1990s. His hit songs like “The Beautiful People” and albums like Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals brought him widespread attention. But his controversial image and public persona, as much as his music, made him a lightning rod for accusations over the years. Despite this, the long-awaited legal process surrounding the abuse allegations has now closed without charges.