Earlier this year musician and actor Marilyn Manson was hit by accusations of abusive behavior from his former fiancée Evan Rachel Wood. Many of Manson’s other former partners backed her up with similar stories, including a further suit from Games of Thrones’ Esmé Bianco alleging sexual battery. Consequences were swift: Manson was dropped by his record label Lorna Vista Recordings and his TV appearances were pulled.
Things took another twist when an arrest warrant was issued in New Hampshire stemming from an incident during a 2019 concert where he allegedly blew spit and snot at a videographer. Manson turned himself in in Los Angeles, where he was processed, released on personal recognizance bail, and forbidden from having any contact with the alleged victim.
Chief Anthony J. Bean Burpee spoke on behalf of the Gilford Police Department and confirmed that Manson surrendered on a warrant specifying “acts alleged to have occurred on August 19, 2019, while performing a concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, NH.” The bail paperwork is in the mail and a court date will be set soon.
Manson is unlikely to face any jail time, though as there’s compelling video evidence showing the incident he may plead guilty in exchange for a lesser punishment.
Manson’s attorney Howard King released a statement about the incident, saying:
“It is no secret to anyone who has attended a Marilyn Manson concert that he likes to be provocative on stage, especially in front of a camera. This misdemeanor claim was pursued after we received a demand from a venue videographer for more than $35,000 after a small amount of spit came into contact with their arm. After we asked for evidence of any alleged damages, we never received a reply. … This whole claim is ludicrous, but we remain committed to cooperating with authorities, as we have done throughout.”
But darker clouds may be on the horizon. In February the LAPD said they were investigating Manson due to the allegations of domestic violence and there are currently four pending civil lawsuits seeking financial compensation for (variously) sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, human trafficking, and unlawful imprisonment.
Whether Marilyn Manson will fight them or settle remains to be seen, but it looks like his acting and musical career is on the rocks for the foreseeable future.
