Marilyn Manson has made the significant decision to drop his defamation lawsuit against actress Evan Rachel Wood, effectively concluding a complex legal dispute that has spanned over two years. This recent development follows a protracted exchange of serious allegations between both parties, ultimately resulting in a settlement that remains shrouded in ambiguity regarding its specific terms. The conclusion of this legal saga marks a pivotal moment for both individuals involved, as they seek to move forward from the turmoil that has surrounded their relationships and public personas.

To gain further insight, let’s explore the intricacies of Manson’s lawsuit against Wood.

Marilyn Manson Officially Withdraws Lawsuit Against Evan Rachel Wood, Ending Prolonged Legal Conflict

In a noteworthy turn of events, Marilyn Manson has formally withdrawn his defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood, thereby concluding a significant two-year legal confrontation. On November 19, 2024, both parties reportedly reached a settlement agreement, with Manson consenting to pay Wood approximately $327,000 to cover her extensive legal expenses. After enduring years of contentious litigation, Manson’s attorney conveyed a sense of relief, indicating a desire to close this challenging chapter of their lives and move on from the associated public scrutiny.

In a pointed response, Wood’s representative articulated their perspective on the situation. They characterized Manson’s lawsuit as a strategic maneuver aimed at undermining her credibility while diverting attention away from the serious allegations leveled against him. The statement underscored that “as the trial court correctly found, Warner’s claims were meritless. Warner’s decision to finally abandon his lawsuit and pay Ms. Wood her full fee award of almost $327,000 only confirms as much.” (via People)

The legal discord commenced in March 2022, following Wood’s public declarations accusing Manson of sexual abuse during their relationship, which began when she was just 18 years old. Manson, in his lawsuit, asserted that Wood and her associate, Illma Gore, had orchestrated a campaign of false accusations against him, including the alleged fabrication of evidence. This defamation lawsuit was part of a broader array of allegations from at least 15 women, all of whom have accused Manson of sexual misconduct, allegations he has consistently denied.

Evan Rachel Wood has been an outspoken advocate for abuse survivors since her testimony before Congress in 2016, where she highlighted the importance of supporting those affected by similar experiences. In early 2021, she bravely identified Manson as her abuser, detailing harrowing experiences, including claims of assault during the filming of a music video—an episode she described as profoundly traumatic and unprofessional.