Brighton, England — The concert featuring Marilyn Manson scheduled for late October has been called off amid significant public backlash and protests demanding his removal from the lineup. His performance at the Brighton Centre, slated for October 29 as part of the One Assassination Under God Tour, will not take place, with Ticketmaster notifying buyers about refunds.
This cancellation follows allegations of abuse against Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, made by over a dozen women, including notable figures like actress Evan Rachel Wood and model Esmé Bianco. These accusations came to light through a 2021 exposé that detailed the troubling claims surrounding Warner’s behavior. While he has consistently denied these allegations, prosecutors in Los Angeles decided to drop the case earlier this year, citing issues related to the statute of limitations and a lack of evidence for sexual assault charges.
Activists have been vocal in their disapproval of Manson’s planned performance. The online initiative “No Stage for Abusers” has notably campaigned against granting a platform to individuals accused of abusive behavior. The group urged both the venue and local government to reconsider hosting the event due to community concerns regarding safety and representation.
In a notable response, Green Party MP Siân Berry reached out to city council leader Bella Sankey, advocating for the cancellation of Manson’s concert. In her open letter, Berry emphasized the impact such performances have on survivors of abuse and those who support them. She framed the decision to host Manson as potentially harmful, highlighting the council’s responsibility to protect the community from various forms of discrimination and victimization.
The letter, which garnered support from local organizations and fellow council members, stressed the importance of listening to the voices of survivors and the need for collective action against perceived threats to safety within the community.
Following Berry’s advocacy, Millie Earl, the leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, also called for the cancellation of Manson’s performance scheduled for October 31 at the Bournemouth International Centre. Although the council does not directly control booking decisions, Earl expressed her concerns in light of ongoing efforts to promote positive behaviors among men and boys in the community.
In her public remarks, she indicated that Manson’s presence did not align with the values the council aims to uphold, particularly regarding initiatives designed to combat harmful behaviors.
As debates surrounding Manson’s performances unfold, the impact of survivor advocacy continues to resonate across communities. The cancellation not only reflects changing attitudes toward accountability in the entertainment industry but also highlights the broader societal conversation about the treatment of survivors and the importance of creating safe spaces for all individuals.