Marilyn Manson, the controversial rock musician, won’t face charges after a lengthy investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Prosecutors revealed the decision on Friday, stating the claims were either too old under the law or lacked enough evidence to move forward.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office explained that while they commend the bravery of the women who came forward, the cases fell outside the statute of limitations, and proving sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt wasn’t possible. The investigation, which began in 2021, included a search of Manson’s West Hollywood home and involved multiple accusers.
One of the accusers, Game of Thrones actor Esmé Bianco, publicly shared her story, alleging Manson raped and abused her during their relationship. She provided extensive evidence, including photos of injuries and threatening messages, but expressed disappointment in the justice system’s handling of her case.
Manson’s former fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, also accused him of abuse, claiming he groomed her as a teenager and subjected her to years of mistreatment. Manson denied the allegations, calling them “horrible distortions of reality,” and even sued Wood before dropping the case and agreeing to pay her legal fees.
Despite the decision not to prosecute, the case has sparked conversations about the challenges survivors face in seeking justice. Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, remains a polarizing figure in the music world, known for his provocative persona and hits like The Beautiful People.
The outcome leaves many questioning the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing such sensitive and complex allegations.