Marilyn Manson Won’t Face Criminal Charges Following Rape & Domestic Violence Allegations

Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, will not face criminal charges after a four-year investigation into allegations of rape and domestic violence, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced.

The District Attorney’s office cited the expiration of the statute of limitations for domestic violence allegations and insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation was led by the DA’s Sex Crimes Division and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

“We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences,” the DA’s office said in a statement.

“While we are unable to bring charges in this matter, we recognize that the strong advocacy of the women involved has helped bring greater awareness to the challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.”

In response, Manson’s attorney, Howard King, expressed satisfaction with 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 and expressed from the start: Brian Warner is innocent.”

Several women, including actress Evan Rachel Wood and Game of Thrones star Esmé Bianco, have accused Manson of sexual assault and abuse.

Manson has denied all allegations, describing them as “horrible distortions of reality.” Wood alleged in 2021 that Manson groomed her as a teenager and “horrifically abused” her during their relationship, claims she explored further in the HBO documentary Phoenix Rising. Manson filed a defamation lawsuit against Wood in 2022 but dropped it in 2023.

Bianco filed a civil lawsuit against Manson in 2021, accusing him of sexual assault and human trafficking. The lawsuit was settled in 2023.

Following the DA’s decision, Bianco said she was “disappointed” but “sadly not surprised,” adding, “Once again, our justice system has failed survivors.” She concluded her statement to Manson: “By you dragging me through hell, I discovered the unstoppable force of my own power.”