In a decision that marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal saga, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced they will not press charges against the musician Marilyn Manson, legally known as Brian Warner. This decision follows an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Manson, a major figure in the music industry, faced allegations centered on incidents that reportedly occurred over a decade ago.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, stated that the allegations, which spanned between 2009 to 2011, were too old to be prosecuted under the current statute of limitations. The evidence gathered was deemed insufficient to meet the burden of proof for criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Hochman recognized the bravery of the women who came forward, expressing gratitude for their cooperation during the investigation.
This announcement comes nearly four years after the probe began under the jurisdiction of former District Attorney George Gascón. Early in 2021, detectives had been tasked with exploring allegations involving Manson's conduct in West Hollywood, where he was residing during the time frame in question. Despite the significant amount of evidence collected, including a search warrant executed on Manson's home, the prosecutors eventually concluded that the case could not be pursued successfully in court.
In response to the decision, Manson’s attorney Howard King expressed satisfaction, stating that the result aligns with their consistent assertion of Manson’s innocence. Meanwhile, the identities of the women involved in the investigation have remained confidential. However, Esmé Bianco, an actor known from the series Game of Thrones, publicly identified as one of the accusers. Bianco, who has settled a civil lawsuit against Manson, criticized the prolonged duration of the investigation, expressing her disappointment with the lack of criminal charges.
Bianco, in her case, alleged sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of Manson, and accused him of violating human trafficking laws by bringing her to the United States under false pretenses. She provided law enforcement with extensive evidence, including photographic documentation of injuries, digital communications, and alleged threats regarding her immigration status.
Evan Rachel Wood, an actor recognized for her role in Westworld, also came forward with allegations against Manson, sparking further accusations. Wood publicly named Manson as her abuser in a social media post, drawing attention to their past relationship. Manson refuted these claims, describing them as horrible distortions of reality, and even pursued legal action against Wood for defamation before ultimately dropping the suit after a court decision.
The controversy surrounding Manson has continued to polarize opinions, with multiple women alleging abuse following Wood’s revelation. Despite the legal outcomes, the situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the handling of historical abuse allegations within the justice system.
Known for his dark and provocative persona, Manson rose to fame in the mid-1990s with hits such as The Beautiful People, and has been a divisive figure due to both his music and public image. The recent developments do not affect Manson's legal status, but they underscore the challenges faced by survivors seeking justice in cases involving historical allegations.
