During a recent podcast appearance, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins defended his 30-year friendship with Marilyn Manson, despite the numerous allegations against the musician in recent years.

Corgan was a guest on the podcast Popcast, owned by The New York Times. During their discussion, he reflected on some of his long-term friendships, and one of the hosts pointed out that he and Manson have attended each other’s birthday parties in recent years. The host asked how Corgan decides whether to maintain relationships with individuals accused of sexual assault and violence.

What Did Billy Corgan Say About the Allegations Against Marilyn Manson?

“That’s a valid question and I think that ultimately as a Christian person… you have to stand by your friends, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have an opinion and that doesn’t mean you’re not critical,” Corgan responded.

“In [Manson’s] case — and I’m not here to adjudicate it — but the DA looked at the case for five years. In some cases, I knew personal things behind the scenes that are not in the public sphere. I personally didn’t feel that he was guilty of the things he was being charged with and ultimately the fact that the DA didn’t pursue it.”

Corgan expressed that his understanding of the cases aligned with what he knew about Manson, but acknowledged that he wasn’t present during the alleged abuse and thus does not know everything that transpired behind closed doors.

READ MORE: Former Marilyn Manson Guitarist Wes Borland: Allegations Against Manson Are ‘F–king True’

The rocker further emphasized that he does not want others dictating who he should associate with, particularly when it’s a friendship spanning nearly three decades. Not only did they become friends 30 years ago, but they also share a closer connection now, as Manson’s wife Lindsay Usich (married in 2020) is James Iha’s wife Ashley's twin sister.

“I think anybody in that situation struggles with the accusations [and] and the seriousness of those accusations. But again, I also knew the inside baseball of the case; I knew certain people who are involved, so you make those evaluations,” Corgan continued.

“At the end of the day, I feel I made the right determination. But if things had come out — people would ask me privately, ‘Well what happens if?’ And I’d say, ‘If he’s guilty or if anybody in that situation’s guilty, they should go to jail.’

Has Billy Corgan Ended Other Friendships Over Similar Allegations?

After Corgan concluded his response, another host asked whether this means he is willing to “cut off” people in his circle if they are proven guilty of serious offenses.

“I don’t like the word ‘cut off.’ Because again, I’m a Christian so there is a longstanding tradition in American life of rehabilitation and forgiveness,” Corgan said, referencing the recent Lindsay Clancy trial and how her husband forgave her for murdering their three children.

READ MORE: English Politician Calls on Wembley Stadium to Remove Marilyn Manson From Slipknot Show

“I can’t imagine that decision,” he continued. “So I’m not saying I have any moral supremacy here; I’m saying it’s a case-by-case basis. But this kind of witch mob thing bothers me. I think we all struggle with how to navigate life and make those determinations.”

Corgan also mentioned that his father had been incarcerated on several occasions and had stolen from him, using this example to illustrate that not every situation is black and white.

See the interview below.

Billy Corgan Defends 30-Year Friendship With Marilyn Manson Despite Abuse Allegations

Below, see rock and metal songs with social messages.