Marilyn Manson Investigation: Responses from Evan Rachel Wood and Esmè Bianco

On January 24, Loudwire reported that the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office decided not to press charges against Marilyn Manson (real name Brian Hugh Warner) following a four-year investigation into allegations of domestic abuse. This decision has sparked responses from Manson’s ex-fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, and actress Esmè Bianco, both of whom have accused him of abuse.

Wood’s Statement

Following the announcement, Evan Rachel Wood took to her private Instagram account to express her disappointment. According to People magazine, she stated:

“My lawyer and I were advised by the Deputy District Attorneys and the Sheriff deputies who investigated the case that there was compelling evidence to support our claims, but that the statute of limitations prevents many of those crimes from being prosecuted. We always knew that the statute of limitations would be a barrier, which is why we created the Phoenix Act so that other victims wouldn’t have to experience this outcome.”

Wood emphasized the importance of the Phoenix Act, established in 2019 to allow victims more time to heal and seek justice. She noted that while the Act cannot assist in cases that occurred prior to its passing, it highlights the necessity for better laws regarding the prosecution of violent crimes, stating:

“Evidence of violent crimes should not have an expiration date. I am grateful for the work law enforcement has done, and I am endlessly proud of all the survivors who risked everything to protect others by speaking the truth.”

Bianco’s Reaction

Esmè Bianco also shared her thoughts on the DA’s decision through an Instagram post. Expressing her disappointment, she remarked:

“Whilst I am deeply disappointed by the decision of the District Attorney to not bring charges in the case against Brian Warner, I am sadly not surprised. Within our toxic culture of victim blaming; a lack of understanding of coercive control, the complex nature of sexual assault within intimate partnerships, and statutes of limitations that do not support the realities of healing; prosecutions face an oftentimes insurmountable hurdle.”

Bianco criticized the justice system for its shortcomings, indicating that it has failed survivors. She stated:

“Once again, our justice system has failed survivors. Not the individual prosecutors and detectives who worked for years on this case, but the system that made them do so with one hand tied behind their collective backs.”

She encouraged survivors to rely on their truth as a source of strength and power, saying:

“Let that be your anchor, for it is stronger than the bars of any prison. Using that truth as our guide, we can draw strength to continue the fight for justice reform.”

LA District Attorney’s Decision and Background on Allegations

The Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman stated that the allegations of domestic violence fell outside the statute of limitations, and the office could not prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt. This decision has reignited discussions about the legal challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

For additional information regarding the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office’s decision, including comments from Manson’s attorney Howard King, and a timeline of the abuse allegations against Manson, readers are encouraged to seek further resources.

Conclusion

The decision not to press charges against Marilyn Manson has left many, including his accusers, feeling disheartened and motivated to advocate for systemic change in the legal treatment of abuse cases. Both Evan Rachel Wood and Esmè Bianco have called for increased awareness and reform regarding the laws governing domestic violence and sexual assault, emphasizing that evidence of such crimes should not be subject to expiration. Their messages of resilience serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice faced by survivors.

FAQs

What is the Phoenix Act?

The Phoenix Act is legislation established in 2019 that aims to extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence crimes, allowing victims more time to seek justice.

Why were charges not pressed against Marilyn Manson?

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office determined that the allegations fell outside the statute of limitations and could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Who are the main accusers of Marilyn Manson?

The main accusers include Evan Rachel Wood and Esmè Bianco, both of whom have publicly spoken out about their experiences of alleged abuse.

What can be done to support survivors of domestic violence?

Advocacy for legal reform, raising awareness about the complexities of domestic violence, and supporting organizations that assist survivors are crucial steps in helping those affected by abuse.