LOS ANGELES, California – Prosecutors announced on Friday that Marilyn Manson will not face charges following a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman cited the expiration of the statute of limitations for the allegations and insufficient evidence to charge the 56-year-old shock rocker, whose legal name is Brian Warner.
Hochman commended the courage of the women who came forward to report their experiences and cooperate with the investigation, noting that although the allegations were outside the legal timeframe for prosecution, their bravery was acknowledged and appreciated.
The investigation into Manson began nearly four years ago, with the District Attorney’s office in pursuit of new leads in the case. Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives focused on incidents dating back to 2009-2011 that allegedly occurred while Manson was living in West Hollywood. Following a search warrant at his residence and the gathering of additional evidence, the case was brought to the attention of prosecutors in 2021.
While the identities of the women involved were not disclosed, actor Esmé Bianco, who previously sued Manson in a settled case, revealed her participation in the criminal investigation. Bianco recounted her experience of abuse and assault, providing evidence to law enforcement to support her claims.
In a separate incident, Manson’s former fiancée, actor Evan Rachel Wood, publicly accused him of abuse for the first time in 2021. Wood detailed years of mistreatment in a social media post, prompting Manson to deny the allegations and counter-sue. However, a judge dismissed significant portions of Manson’s lawsuit, leading to his decision to drop the case and cover Wood’s legal fees.
Despite the lack of criminal charges, the survivors of Manson’s alleged abuse have expressed gratitude for the investigative efforts while advocating for changes to statutes of limitations concerning violent crimes. Wood highlighted the importance of advocating for legislative changes like the Phoenix Act, which extends the time frame for prosecuting domestic violence felony crimes.
Manson’s musical career, which began in the mid-1990s, was marked by controversy alongside his musical successes with albums like “Antichrist Superstar” and “Mechanical Animals.” The outcome of the investigation sheds light on the complexities of handling cases involving historic allegations of abuse and the challenges victims face in seeking justice.