Marilyn Manson’s scheduled Brighton concert has been cancelled following significant political and activist pressure. Metal Hammer via Brighton Argus reported the cancellation.
Local MP Siân Berry and activist groups including No Stage For Abusers and Survivors’ Network raised concerns about hosting an artist facing sexual misconduct allegations at a publicly owned venue. The cancellation came after their pressure campaign.
MP Berry expressed her opposition to the concert in a statement. She addressed the implications of providing a platform for the controversial performer.
“The level and nature of the accusations against Warner are concerning enough alone, but so too is the message sent out by providing a platform for this individual, at our city’s biggest publicly owned venue, and what this will mean to survivors,” Berry said.
The Brighton concert cancellation comes amid a broader pattern of controversy surrounding Manson’s recent performances and legal battles. These issues have shaped public perception of the artist.
The Standard revealed that Berry wrote an open letter to Brighton and Hove city council leader Bella Sankey. She stated that the booking contradicted the city’s well-renowned values amid the allegations against Manson. The MP emphasized that many survivors in Brighton and Hove would have serious concerns about the booking. Organizations supporting them would also be concerned about its wider impact on the community.
The legal landscape surrounding Manson has evolved significantly in recent months. Manson Wiki reported that all allegations of sexual abuse against him were dropped in 2024. No criminal charges were ever filed. However, several women have pursued civil litigation against the performer for alleged abuse.
The controversy extends beyond the current allegations. Stereogum noted that Manson himself sued actress Evan Rachel Wood for accusing him of grooming and abuse. He later dropped that case. This legal back-and-forth has contributed to the ongoing public scrutiny surrounding his performances.
The PRP confirmed that the show has been removed from both Ticketmaster and Manson’s official website following the Brighton cancellation. The UK leg of his tour is now scheduled to begin in Bournemouth on Halloween. It remains to be seen whether additional venues will face similar pressure from local officials and activist groups.
