Los Angeles Judge Reinstates Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Marilyn Manson
A Los Angeles superior court judge has reopened a sexual assault lawsuit against controversial heavy metal musician Marilyn Manson, utilising a new California law designed to revive previously time-barred cases. The legal action, originally filed in May 2021 by Manson's former assistant, Ashley Walters, had been dismissed in December 2024 due to exceeding the statute of limitations.
New Legislation Provides Legal Pathway for Historic Claims
In a significant legal development, Judge Steve Cochran reinstated the case in January 2025 following the enactment of Assembly Bill 2777, which mandates a two-year window for courts to consider sexual assault claims that had previously expired under statutory time limits. "I looked at this closely," Judge Cochran stated during a hearing. "I do think the statute revives the claim."
The lawsuit alleges that Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, sexually assaulted Walters during her employment at Manson Records between 2010 and 2011. Furthermore, the complaint includes disturbing claims that the musician boasted about raping women and showed Walters a video depicting the abuse of a minor.
Defence Team Dismisses Allegations as Baseless
Manson's legal representative, Howard King, has vigorously contested the lawsuit's validity. In a statement to Agence France-Presse, King argued: "While Ms Walters made several now-irrelevant claims about so-called workplace harassment, she has no pending claims for sexual assault as defined in the penal code, as would be required under the new law, nor is she permitted under the ruling to add new claims."
King emphatically added: "The undeniable fact is that Mr Warner never committed any sexual assault." This defence forms part of Manson's ongoing strategy to counter multiple allegations that have emerged in recent years.
Pattern of Allegations and Previous Legal Proceedings
This case represents just one of several sexual misconduct accusations levelled against the 57-year-old musician. Other accusers include:
- Game of Thrones actor Esmé Bianco, who settled her lawsuit against Manson
- Westworld actor Evan Rachel Wood, whom Manson sued for defamation before dropping the case and paying her legal fees
In a separate development, another case alleging sexual assault and domestic violence between 2009 and 2011 was dismissed in January 2025 after a lengthy investigation, again due to statute of limitations issues.
Broader Implications and Cultural Impact
The reopening of this lawsuit under new California legislation highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding historic sexual assault cases. This development occurs against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of Manson's conduct, including the cancellation of his UK tour date last year following pressure from campaign groups and a Member of Parliament.
As this legal process unfolds, it will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry and the mechanisms available to survivors seeking justice for alleged historical abuses.
