Marilyn Manson’s European Tour Kickoff Show Canceled Amid Backlash

Marilyn Manson’s highly anticipated European tour kickoff show, part of his One Assassination Under God Tour, set for October 29 in Brighton, England, has been abruptly canceled. This decision follows mounting pressure from online campaigners and a member of parliament, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding the artist’s past.

Pressure from Campaigners Leads to Show Cancellation

The Brighton Centre was scheduled to host Manson’s performance, but the venue has now scrapped the event. Ticketmaster has notified customers that their tickets will be refunded as a result of the cancellation. The group No Stage for Abusers, which positions itself against giving platforms to abusive individuals, played a pivotal role in this outcome. They urged the venue and Brighton and Hove City Council to reconsider Manson’s performance, citing his history of serious sexual assault allegations.

Allegations Against Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson, born Brian Warner, has faced numerous accusations of abuse and sexual assault, most notably from actress Evan Rachel Wood, his former fiancée. In 2021, Wood alleged that Manson had groomed and abused her for years, describing a traumatic experience that left her feeling “brainwashed and manipulated into submission.” Following her claims, several other women came forward with similar allegations, prompting a criminal investigation into Manson’s conduct.

Despite these serious accusations, Manson has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the allegations are part of a coordinated attack by past partners. He characterized the claims as an exploitation of his personal life to undermine him publicly.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Controversy

In January, Los Angeles prosecutors opted to drop the case against Manson, citing that the domestic abuse claims fell outside the statute of limitations and that the sexual assault allegations could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Since then, Manson has largely continued his career without significant interruptions, releasing his latest album, One Assassination Under God — Chapter 1, in 2024.

No Stage for Abusers Responds to Cancellation

In a statement on Facebook, No Stage for Abusers celebrated the cancellation of Manson’s show, asserting that accountability for violent misogyny is not an example of cancel culture, but rather a necessary step in addressing long-standing issues within the music industry. They criticized the notion that controversial artists should be immune to consequences for their actions, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift regarding misogyny and male violence.

The organization commended the Brighton & Hove council and the Brighton Centre for their decisive action, expressing hope that other venues would follow suit in taking a stand against abusive behavior.

Conclusion

The cancellation of Marilyn Manson’s upcoming show in Brighton highlights the growing movement within the entertainment industry to hold artists accountable for their actions, particularly in cases involving allegations of abuse and misogyny. As the conversation surrounding these issues continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact Manson’s career and the broader music landscape.

FAQs

Why was Marilyn Manson’s Brighton show canceled?

The show was canceled due to pressure from campaigners advocating against giving platforms to individuals with a history of abuse, particularly in light of Manson’s numerous sexual assault allegations.

What are the allegations against Marilyn Manson?

Marilyn Manson has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault and abuse, with prominent claims made by actress Evan Rachel Wood, who described long-term grooming and manipulation.

What has been the legal outcome of the allegations against Manson?

In January, Los Angeles prosecutors dropped the case against Manson, stating that the allegations fell outside the statute of limitations and could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

How has the public reacted to the cancellation of Manson’s show?

The public reaction has been largely supportive of the cancellation, with advocacy groups praising it as a necessary measure to combat misogyny and hold abusers accountable in the entertainment industry.