A long investigation into Marilyn Manson over sexual assault and domestic violence claims has been dropped, California prosecutors announced on Friday.
Prosecutors explained that the accusations were beyond the statute of limitations and they could not prove the charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman released a statement explaining the results of the investigation and why no charges would be filed against Manson.
“We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations, and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt,” Hochman noted in the statement.
“We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation. 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,” he added.
Four women had sued Manson, accusing him of rape, sexual assault, and abuse. The women who filed the lawsuits included model Ashley Morgan Smithline, actress Esmé Bianco, and Warner’s former assistant Ashley Walters. Manson’s ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood has also made similar accusations.
Upon hearing the news, Wood responded to the verdict. “My lawyer and I were advised by the Deputy District Attorneys and the Sheriff deputies who investigated the case that there was compelling evidence to support our claims, but that the statute of limitations prevents many of those crimes from being prosecuted. We always knew that the statute of limitations would be a barrier, which is why we created the Phoenix Act – so that other victims wouldn’t have to experience this outcome,” she said in a statement on Instagram.
She added, “Unfortunately, the Phoenix Act cannot help in cases which occurred before it was passed, but I hope this shines a light on why it’s so important to advocate for better laws. Evidence of violent crimes should not have an expiration date. I am grateful for the work law enforcement has done, and I am endlessly proud of all the survivors who risked everything to protect others by speaking the truth.”
Warner’s lawyer, Howard King, said they were pleased with the decision, stating that Warner had always denied the allegations.
The investigation began in 2021, focusing on events that occurred between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Warner lived.
Smithline said Warner had threatened her life, saying he would ‘find her’ and ‘kill her if she left him.’ Walters also described Warner as violent and abusive, claiming he allowed his friends to grope her and forced her to work for 48 hours straight.
Since the allegations, Warner has lost his record label, manager, and booking agent. However, the rocker made his comeback to music in 2024 with the release of his new album, ‘One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1.’ He also hit the road again last year, opening for Five Finger Death Punch on their tour.
