Marilyn Manson will not be criminally charged for domestic violence and sexual assault following a four-year investigation, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced in a press release Friday.
LA District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said “experienced prosecutors from the Sex Crimes Division of the District Attorney’s Office, along with detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department” came to the decision following a “comprehensive” probe into the shock rocker.
“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,” he added.
Hochman then went on to praise the women who had come forward for their “courage and resilience.”
“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 said.
“Due to their efforts, victims of domestic violence have a greater voice in our criminal justice system and prosecutorial offices around the country have improved tools to hold domestic violence abusers accountable for their actions.”
Hochman concluded that his office remains “committed” to “seeking justice for survivors.”
Manson’s attorney, Howard King, tells Page Six, “We are very pleased that, after a thorough and incredibly lengthy review of all of the actual evidence, the District Attorney has concluded what we knew and expressed from the start – Brian Warner is innocent.”
The “Beautiful People” singer has not addressed the decision himself yet on social media. However, he took to his Instagram Stories on Friday to promote his upcoming North American tour dates.
In February 2021, Manson’s ex Evan Rachel Wood accused him of grooming her when she was just a teenager and abusing her throughout their relationship.
“I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission,” she wrote via Instagram at the time.
“I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives. I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”
Her remarks prompted others to come forward, including model Sarah McNeilly who alleged Manson locked her in rooms when she was “bad” and forced her to listen to him entertaining other women — leaving her “emotionally abused, terrorized and scarred.”
“Game of Thrones” actress Esmé Bianco also alleged the “Tainted Love” singer had abused her, which the rocker’s lawyers previously said were claims that were “provably false.”
However, TMZ learned at the time that both the FBI and local law enforcement in Los Angeles were looking to meet with Manson’s accusers as an initial examination into whether a crime had been committed which warranted further investigation.
In November 2021, police conducted a search at the “Sweet Dream” rocker’s home as part of their ongoing probe into the sexual assault claims.
Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, has maintained his innocence and even sued Wood, 37, for defamation — but dropped that lawsuit this past November.
This is not the first time the goth rocker has been able to escape charges from the LA DA.
According to Variety, the office said in 2018 that the charges leveled against Manson seven years prior in 2011 had been dismissed due to an expiration on the statute of limitations on two charges and an absence of corroboration for a sexual assault claim.
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