On January 24, Loudwire reported that the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has decided not to pursue charges against Marilyn Manson (born Brian Hugh Warner) after a lengthy four-year investigation into serious allegations of domestic abuse. This decision has elicited responses from Manson?s former fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, and actress Esm? Bianco, both of whom have previously accused him of abuse.
Evan Rachel Wood Addresses the Decision on Manson
On Friday, Wood shared her thoughts via a statement on her private Instagram account, as reported by People magazine. Wood, who has publicly accused Manson of abuse since 2021, emphasized the challenges faced by survivors. She stated:
?My lawyer and I were informed by the Deputy District Attorneys and Sheriff deputies that there was compelling evidence supporting our claims; however, the statute of limitations is preventing many of these crimes from being prosecuted. We were aware that this legal barrier existed, which is why we introduced the Phoenix Act to create a pathway for other victims to avoid similar outcomes.?
Wood expressed disappointment that the Phoenix Act does not apply to incidents that occurred prior to its enactment, but stressed the importance of advocating for legislative changes. ?Evidence of violent crimes should not have an expiration date. I am thankful for the diligent efforts of law enforcement, and I am immensely proud of all the survivors who have bravely spoken out to protect others by sharing their truths.?
The Phoenix Act was introduced in 2019 to provide victims with additional time to recover from their trauma and to allow exceptions to the statute of limitations in specific circumstances related to domestic violence crimes.
However, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman issued a statement clarifying that the allegations of domestic violence fall outside the statute of limitations, and that charges of sexual assault could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Esm? Bianco’s Reaction to the District Attorney’s Decision
Esm? Bianco, who also accused Manson of abuse in 2021 and reached a settlement in 2023, shared her own statement on Instagram in response to the District Attorney’s decision:
?I am deeply disappointed by the decision not to bring charges against Brian Warner, yet I cannot say I am surprised. Our culture of victim blaming, the lack of understanding of coercive control, and the complexities surrounding sexual assault in intimate relationships have created significant barriers to prosecution. The existing statutes of limitations often hinder the healing process for survivors.?
Bianco lamented that once again, the justice system has failed those who have survived abuse. She clarified that the failure lies not with the individual prosecutors and detectives who worked diligently on the case, but rather with a flawed system that restricts justice. ?Seven years ago, I faced this failure myself, which propelled me into a journey of advocacy. I learned that my healing could not depend on a broken system.?
She reassured other survivors reading her message: ?You know your truth, and that truth is a powerful anchor in your journey. It is stronger than any prison bars.?
Bianco encouraged the collective fight for justice reform and emphasized the need to shine a light on the dark realities of sexual violence and intimate partner abuse. ?We must strive for healing, not only for ourselves but also for those who have caused pain. Our culture desperately needs your compassion and your strength.?
In her closing words directed to Manson, Bianco asserted, ?Through your actions, I unearthed my own strength. I emerged like a Phoenix from the ashes you left behind. You know the truth, and I hope you find peace with it.?
You can see her Instagram post below:
Understanding the L.A. D.A.?s Decision and Manson’s Allegations
For further details on the Los Angeles District Attorney’s decision regarding Manson, including insights from Manson?s attorney, Howard King, click here.
Additionally, you can explore a comprehensive timeline of the abuse allegations against Manson below.
Detailed Timeline of Abuse Allegations Against Marilyn Manson
After Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused Marilyn Manson of abuse in 2021, a wave of similar allegations from other individuals surfaced against the rock musician. Below is a timeline that highlights key events, starting with Wood’s 2018 testimony where she noted her abuse without naming Manson. The musician, known legally as Brian Warner, has consistently denied these allegations. Several accusers have pursued legal action against him, and he filed a lawsuit against Wood in 2022.
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
