Marilyn Manson has officially ended his legal battle against ex-girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood, marking a significant shift in the high-profile case.

The 55-year-old musician, whose real name is Brian Warner, initially filed a lawsuit against the 37-year-old actress in March 2022, claiming defamation. He accused her of “publicly casting” him as a “rapist and abuser,” a statement he characterized as a “malicious falsehood” that has severely impacted his successful career in music, television, and film. This case highlighted the complex dynamics of celebrity relationships and the repercussions of public accusations.

In a surprising turn of events nearly three years later, Marilyn has decided to drop the lawsuit against Evan and will also cover her attorney fees, indicating a shift in strategy and possibly a reconsideration of the merits of his claims.

Continue reading to discover more about the developments in this case…

According to Michael J. Kump, attorney for Evan Rachel Wood, the lawsuit was perceived as a publicity maneuver by Warner to undermine the credibility of his numerous accusers and to attempt to rejuvenate his declining career. Kump stated, “His attempt to silence and intimidate Ms. Wood has failed.” He further emphasized that the court found Warner’s claims to be without merit, and the decision to withdraw his lawsuit and pay nearly $327,000 in attorney fees essentially confirmed that his case was weak.

In response to the conclusion of this lawsuit, Howard King, attorney for Marilyn, expressed that after enduring four years of legal challenges, Brian feels relieved to dismiss his pending claims and appeals, allowing him to close this tumultuous chapter of his life and move forward.

Following the defamation suit, Evan’s legal team sought to dismiss the majority of the allegations under the anti-SLAPP statute, which is designed to strike down complaints that infringe upon First Amendment rights of free speech. This legal strategy aimed to protect Evan from what they characterized as a strategic lawsuit against public participation.

In a significant ruling last year, the court supported Evan’s motion, ordering Marilyn to pay her attorney fees. Warner subsequently appealed the decision, attempting to negotiate a settlement that would be “more favorable,” offering a portion of the legal fees along with a confidentiality agreement and a “mutually acceptable” statement from Evan. However, this proposal was declined, leading to the current settlement.

The Westworld actress initially accused Marilyn of sexual assault and abuse in February 2021, prompting other women to come forward with similar allegations. This wave of accusations led Marilyn to file a defamation lawsuit against Evan just a month later, illustrating the contentious nature of their relationship and the broader conversation about accountability in the entertainment industry.