Singer Marilyn Manson , who in recent years has been embroiled in controversies and lawsuits, has been convicted in yet another trial. This time, Manson was ordered to pay nearly US$327,000 to actress Evan Rachel Wood . The amount was intended to cover legal fees in a defamation lawsuit against the musician.
In March 2022, Manson sued the actress, alleging that she was trying to portray him as a rapist and abuser, which was causing problems for his career. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Teresa A. Beaudet dismissed the singer's claims, arguing that the accusations, which include that he raped, tortured, and threatened Wood, are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
In their lawsuit, Wood and her lawyers state (via Loudersound ): “For years, plaintiff Brian Warner (Marilyn Manson) raped and tortured defendant Evan Rachel Wood, and threatened retaliation if she told anyone about it. Warner has now carried out those threats by filing this lawsuit.” The actress and the singer were in a relationship for four years.
Originally, Wood spent $388,000 on his lawsuit. However, according to Manson's lawyers, the judge reduced part of the amount to be paid by more than $60,000. The judge argued that some of the hours Wood was charging for were "vague."
Despite Manson's defamation lawsuit being dismissed by the judge, and a refund ordered, Wood will be tried on May 1st. One allegation remains in the lawsuit, where the musician claims that the actress conspired to hack into his computer and impersonate him online.
Marilyn Manson faces numerous accusations.
In addition to Wood's accusation, the singer was also accused by actress Esmé Bianco, known for her role in the series Game of Thrones, who sued him for sexual, emotional, and physical abuse in 2021. However, the actress's lawyer stated that a settlement was reached allowing her to move on with her life and career.
Another woman to accuse Manson was his former personal assistant, Ashley Walters . She claims that in 2010, on her first date with the singer, he tried to pin her to the bed to kiss her, bit her ear, and placed her hand on his private parts. She also spoke about the musician's drug-fueled rages, which included physical violence. She added that Manson routinely encouraged, promoted, and expected her to 'please' his friends in the way they wanted, resulting in her being sexually harassed by his acquaintances.
During the year that Walters worked for Manson, he also told her at one point that he wanted to kill women, that he had gotten away with raping women, and that he had the ability to "destroy lives."
The singer, and his legal team, deny all abuse allegations made against him.
READ ALSO: Marilyn Manson: Woman who accused him of rape makes deal after “years of threats”
