The sexual abuse case against Marilyn Manson has “new leads and additional evidence” to pursue, according to prosecutors.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón revealed on Wednesday (October 9) that their investigations into the musician, real name Brian Warner, were now under review by the office’s Sex Crimes Division (via Rolling Stone).
He said that “new evidence” had emerged within the last few weeks, adding: “It is our office’s responsibility to ensure that we have a complete picture of the admissible evidence available before making a filing decision.”
“Senior staff members have met with victims, and our prosecutors continue to remain in contact with the victims and their representatives throughout this process.”
Gascón said he anticipates “making a filing decision soon and will provide an update when that times comes. At that time, I look forward to meeting with the victims to discuss how my office can continue to support them.”
Warner has vehemently denied all allegations against him to date.
It comes after Game Of Thrones star Esme Bianco hit out at Gascon over what she described as the “mishandled” rape allegations against Warner.
She said the last four years of waiting for the prosecutor to make a decision over the allegations was “absolute agony”, adding that she has had to “hound” the District Attorney’s office for updates.
In 2021, Bianco went public with her accusations against Warner, claiming that the singer’s alleged abuse (occurring between 2009 and 2011) had made her “[feel] like a prisoner”. Months later, the actress formally filed a lawsuit against both Warner and his business, Marilyn Manson Records, Inc.
The lawsuit alleged sexual assault, physical abuse and human trafficking. Warner has denied all allegations, calling the claims “horrible distortions of reality”.
In January 2023, the lawsuit was dropped with both parties reaching a settlement out of court. The exact terms of the agreement are unknown.
However, around the same time her lawsuit was filed, Los Angeles police opened a criminal investigation into the claims made by several women, including Bianco and actor Evan Rachel Wood (Warner’s former partner), who have accused Warner of sexual abuse, grooming and manipulation. In September 2022, the case was submitted to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.