Marilyn Manson will not face prosecution following a four-year investigation into allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault, according to a statement from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
On Jan. 24, 2025, LA District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that after a thorough review of the evidence, prosecutors were unable to pursue charges against the rock singer due to the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence to prove the claims beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors acknowledge the bravery of accusers
Despite dropping the charges, the District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the women who came forward to report Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner.
“We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who shared their experiences,” the statement read. “While we are unable to bring charges, their advocacy has brought greater awareness to the challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.”
Manson has faced multiple accusations over the years, most notably from actress Evan Rachel Wood, who alleged that he sexually assaulted her during the filming of his 2007 music video Heart-Shaped Glasses.
Wood originally described the experience as “violating” but later publicly accused Manson of rape, stating that she was led to believe she was filming a simulated sex scene, only for it to escalate into non-consensual acts.
“I heard the word ‘cut’ and saw the crew walk off,” Wood told the Daily Mail. “I was just sitting on the bed naked, crying. I felt so violated.”
Manson has denied all allegations and previously sued Wood for defamation, though he dropped the lawsuit and was later ordered to pay her $327,000 in legal fees.
Manson’s legal team declares victory
Following the announcement that no charges would be filed, Manson’s attorney, Howard King, issued a strongly worded statement to Page Six, declaring his client’s innocence.
“We are very pleased that after an incredibly lengthy review, the District Attorney has concluded what we knew all along – Brian Warner is innocent,” King said.
The attorney also took aim at Evan Rachel Wood, calling her allegations “demonstrably false.”
While Manson has avoided criminal prosecution, he continues to face scrutiny. In 2021, actress Esme Bianco sued him for sexual assault and human trafficking, claims that his legal team dismissed as “provably false.”
Despite the legal victory, the rock singer’s reputation remains tarnished by years of accusations, and his return to the public eye remains uncertain.
With the case now closed, attention shifts to Manson’s next steps—and whether the allegations will continue to haunt his career.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.