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Prosecutors are examining new leads and evidence

Posted on by Kennedy
Prosecutors are examining new leads and evidence

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New evidence has emerged as part of an investigation into Marilyn Manson, the controversial rock star who prosecutors say is accused of sexual abuse by numerous women.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said Wednesday that prosecutors in his office's sex crimes unit are “carefully reviewing new leads and additional evidence that continues to come to our attention” from a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigation into Manson, his real name is Brian, Warner.

“In recent weeks, new evidence has emerged that adds to the already extensive case file submitted to our office by the LASD,” Gascón said. “It is our office’s responsibility to ensure we have a complete picture of the available admissible evidence before making a filing decision.”

Gascón added that senior staff have met with alleged victims and “our prosecutors will continue to remain in contact with victims and their representatives throughout the process.”

USA TODAY has reached out to Manson's attorney for comment.

In a 2021 statement, the singer claimed: “My intimate relationships with like-minded partners have always been completely consensual. Regardless of how – and why – others now choose to misrepresent the past, that is the truth.”

A timeline of Marilyn Manson Abuse allegations including Evan Rachel Wood, Esmé Bianco

Manson has been confronted with numerous allegations of abuse in recent years, which he has always denied. In February 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that it was “investigating allegations of domestic violence” involving the rocker, saying the “incidents occurred between 2009 and 2011” when he lived in West Hollywood. In November 2021, authorities searched Manson's home.

According to the Los Angeles Times, in September 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department turned over its 19-month sexual abuse investigation against Manson to Gascón to decide whether to prosecute. In the statement released Wednesday, Gascón said his office expects to “make a decision on the filing soon.”

Marilyn Manson completes Alcoholics Anonymous mandate after blowing a videographer's nose

Manson has been sued by numerous accusers, including Game of Thrones star Esmé Bianco, who accused him of sexual assault. Manson and Bianco reached an agreement in 2023. A sexual assault lawsuit filed by Manson's former personal assistant Ashley Walters is set to go to trial in 2025, according to Rolling Stone. An accuser who sued the singer for sexual assault, Ashley Morgan Smithline, recanted her allegations last year.

“Westworld” star Evan Rachel Wood also spoke out on Instagram in February 2021, claiming that Manson, her ex-fiancé, “started grooming me when I was a teenager and cruelly abused me for years.” She further discussed her allegations in the 2022 HBO series “Phoenix Rising.” Before the documentary aired, Manson sued the actress for defamation. Parts of his lawsuit were dismissed last year.

Esme Bianco criticizes the Los Angeles district attorney's handling of the Manson case

In a statement Thursday, Bianco criticized Gascón for his handling of Manson's case and said she had waited more than two years for him to decide whether to press charges. She also claimed that Gascón refused to speak to her about the status of the case.

“Almost four years ago, I did what rape victims are supposed to do: I went to the police,” the “Game of Thrones” star said. “I described in excruciating detail how musician Brian Warner, better known as Marilyn Manson, raped and abused me during our relationship.”

“Despite a thorough investigation and hundreds of pieces of evidence presented to the prosecution, I am still waiting for justice,” she said, adding: “It was only when Prosecutor Gascon knew that I would stand up and publicly demand answers.” When he was on the podium with his political opponent, he tried to make a statement. That speaks volumes about where his priorities really lie.

In her statement, Bianco supported Nathan Hochman, Gascón's opponent in the upcoming elections.

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