Marilyn Manson Cleared of Sexual Assault Charges After Four-Year Probe

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Marilyn Manson, the controversial goth rocker whose real name is Brian Warner, will not face criminal charges following a four-year investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced Friday.

The decision comes after a comprehensive review by experienced prosecutors and detectives. Hochman stated that allegations of domestic violence fell outside the statute of limitations, and there was insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt. “We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward,” Hochman said. “While we are unable to bring charges in this matter, their advocacy has brought greater awareness to the challenges faced by survivors.”

Manson, 56, has been accused of rape, sexual assault, and torture by at least a dozen women, including his former fiancée, actress Evan Rachel Wood. Wood publicly accused Manson of abuse in 2021, sparking widespread media attention and renewed scrutiny of the musician’s past behavior.

Despite the decision, Hochman emphasized the district attorney’s commitment to seeking justice for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. “We encourage anyone experiencing abuse to seek support and make a report to law enforcement as quickly as possible,” he said.

The investigation, a collaboration between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Division, highlighted the challenges posed by statutes of limitations in criminal cases. Similar legal hurdles have emerged in high-profile cases involving other musicians, including R. Kelly and Russell Simmons.

Manson has not publicly commented on the decision. Meanwhile, he continues to tour internationally, with upcoming performances in Europe and South America. His legal troubles have not deterred his fan base, as many of his concerts remain sold out.

This case underscores the complexities of prosecuting historical abuse allegations and the ongoing debate over extending statutes of limitations for such crimes. While civil cases have seen some progress in this area, criminal cases remain constrained by existing legal frameworks.