UPDATE: Former Marilyn Manson assistant Ashley Walters has revived her lawsuit against the musician after it was dismissed in a Los Angeles court in December. Per Rolling Stone, a new California law that took effect on Jan. 1 may help in pushing the case forward.
Walters had argued that her complaint against Manson qualified due to her alleged trauma repressing memories, but the judge ruled that her claims that dated back to 2010 were too old to pursue. In her new filing, Walters cites California’s AB 250 statute and asked that the judge either vacate the summary judgment or allow it to be amended to reflect the new statute that extends the statute of limitations on sexual assault claims.
Marilyn Manson has one less legal matter to worry about for now as a Los Angeles judge ruled on Tuesday (Dec. 16) that a sexual assault and battery lawsuit filed by his former assistant Ashley Walters has been dismissed and that a trial set to start next month will not go forward.
Per Rolling Stone, Los Angeles County Judge Steve Cochran revealed in his ruling that the evidence showed that Manson’s former assistant’s claims fell outside the statute of limitations and could not be revived based on the argument that her memories of alleged abuse had been suppressed.
A History of Ashley Walters’ Case Against Marilyn Manson
In 2021, Ashley Walters, who had previously served as Manson’s personal assistant, filed a lawsuit against the singer citing sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, interference with the exercise of civil rights in violation of the Bane Act, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
In her 16-page suit, Walters painted a picture of both verbal and physical abuse allegedly imposed by Manson.
In March 2022, Manson allegedly threatened Walters with “retaliatory legal action” if she agreed to take part in Evan Rachel Wood’s Phoenix Rising documentary. Two months later, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge dismissed Walters’ suit citing the grounds of the statute of limitations.
Walters also filed an amended suit against Manson in 2022, citing repressed memories of sexual abuse and battery and added that later threats of violence wrought a sense of fear within her. In 2023, a tribunal with California’s Second Appellate District granted Walters an appeal that sent the case back to the judge for trial. The decision noted, “Walters’ allegations of delayed discovery were sufficient to withstand demurrer and we reverse.”
Then, in December 2024, a Los Angeles County Judge ruled that Manson would have to sit for a deposition about the case. “There is no authority for a protective order blanket, for an indefinite period of time,” Judge Cochran offered. “There’s no such thing as a blanket assertion that would prevent a question-by-question approach.”
What the Latest Ruling Means for Ashley Walters’ Case Against Marilyn Manson
The statute of limitations continues to be a sticking point in the case. “We have a situation where the complaint was not filed until about 10 years after the operative events. I’m not able to find that the delayed discovery rule is applicable,” Los Angeles County Judge Steve Cochran said, per Rolling Stone. “I don’t have the authority to rule that the delayed discovery doctrine would apply under the circumstances that exist in this case.”
Though the case has bounced around the courts, this may not be the final decision. Walters’ lawyer said that she would explore an appeal.
“We’re disappointed. We think this is the wrong decision. The delayed discovery rule is specifically to address situations where victims of sexual abuse deserve the ability to seek justice when their abuser has used tactics to prevent them from coming forward,” Walters’ lawyer, Kate McFarlane, told Rolling Stone after the hearing. “This is something we see time and time again and it seems the law hasn’t caught up to the science and what’s right for victims. But I don’t believe this is the end of the road.”
Manson’s lawyer, Howard King, shared with the publication, “It’s gratifying, after all these years, that a judge can just look at the facts and see that once again, Brian Warner was wrongfully accused. It’s nice for him to get some justice, though it was at great personal cost. Now he can move on.”
Walters was one of several women who came forth with accusations against Manson following actress Evan Rachel Wood publicly sharing that Manson had inflicted physical and emotional abuse. The singer has since reached out-of-court settlements with several of his accusers. In 2025, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced that after a four-year investigation, they would not be pressing any charges against the singer.
READ MORE: Seth Green Tells Bill Maher About the Time Marilyn Manson Punched Andy Dick in the Throat
In March 2024, Manson revealed that he would return to touring for his first shows since 2019 after spending much of his time dealing with legal matters in recent years. Earlier this week, Manson shared his first 2026 North American headlining dates.
2026 Rock + Metal Tour Guide
These are the biggest rock and metal tours happening in 2026 so far, including Metallica, Iron Maiden, My Chemical Romance, and more.
Conclusion
Ashley Walters’ legal battle against Marilyn Manson is set to continue as she seeks to leverage new legislation to revive her claims. The evolving nature of the case highlights the complexities surrounding issues of memory, trauma, and legal statutes in cases of alleged abuse. As both sides prepare for the next steps, the ramifications of this case may reach beyond just the courtroom, influencing discussions around survivor rights and the legal system’s response to such sensitive matters.
FAQs
What is the basis of Ashley Walters’ lawsuit against Marilyn Manson?
Ashley Walters alleges sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse during her time as Manson’s personal assistant.
Why was the initial lawsuit dismissed?
The initial lawsuit was dismissed because the claims were deemed too old to be pursued under the statute of limitations at that time.
What is California’s AB 250 statute?
AB 250 is a new California law that extends the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims, allowing victims more time to file lawsuits.
What are the next steps for Ashley Walters’ case?
Walters’ legal team is exploring options to appeal the previous ruling and is attempting to amend the lawsuit to align with the new legislation.
How has Marilyn Manson responded to the allegations?
Manson has consistently denied all allegations against him and has described the accusations as wrongful. His legal team has expressed satisfaction with the court’s rulings in his favor.
