Background on Marilyn Manson and the Lawsuit
Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, is a renowned American rock musician. He has been the subject of multiple sexual assault allegations over the years, with actresses Esmé Bianco and Evan Rachel Wood being among those who have accused him.
The Lawsuit Details
In May 2021, a former assistant of Manson’s, Ashley Walters, filed a lawsuit against him for sexual assault and battery. The complaint alleged that Manson had repeatedly sexually abused Walters and forced her to transport drugs for him during their work relationship between 2010 and 2011.
Initial Ruling and Appeal
In December of the same year, Judge Steve Cochran of the Los Angeles Superior Court dismissed Walters’ case, stating that it had exceeded the statute of limitations. However, Walters requested the court to reconsider her case in January 2022, following the enactment of a new law that reopened a two-year window for previously time-barred sexual misconduct cases.
Judge Cochran’s Decision
During a recent hearing, Judge Cochran reviewed Walters’ request and decided to reinstate the lawsuit. He concluded that the new law applies, stating, “They are headed to trial once again.”
Manson’s Legal Response
Howard King, Manson’s attorney, asserted that the lawsuit would not succeed. He argued that Walters had no pending sexual assault claim according to the penal code definition and could not add new claims, as per the court’s ruling. King firmly stated, “The undeniable fact is that Warner never committed any sexual assault.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Marilyn Manson? Marilyn Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, is a well-known American rock musician.
- What is the lawsuit about? Ashley Walters, a former assistant of Manson’s, accused him of sexually assaulting and battering her multiple times while she worked for Manson Records between 2010 and 2011.
- Why was the lawsuit initially dismissed? Judge Steve Cochran dismissed the case in December 2021, citing that it had exceeded the statute of limitations.
- What changed, leading to the lawsuit’s reinstatement? A new law was enacted in January 2022, reopening a two-year window for previously time-barred sexual misconduct cases. Judge Cochran decided to apply this law, reinstating Walters’ lawsuit against Manson.
- What is Manson’s legal team’s stance? Howard King, representing Manson, maintains that the lawsuit will not succeed. He argues that Walters cannot meet the legal requirements for a sexual assault claim as per the penal code definition.
