On December 16, a significant development occurred in the ongoing legal issues surrounding Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner. A judge from Los Angeles County ruled that Manson must participate in a deposition related to an alleged sexual assault and battery lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant, Ashley Walters. This ruling marks a crucial step in the legal proceedings, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations against the musician and the judicial system’s commitment to upholding justice.

As reported by Rolling Stone, concerns had been raised regarding Manson’s potential use of the ongoing “indefinite” criminal investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office as a means to postpone his deposition. This ruling indicates the court’s determination to proceed with the case despite the complexities involved.

Judge Steve Cochran of Los Angeles County clarified that while Manson has the right to invoke his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination during the deposition, he cannot avoid the deposition altogether due to the ongoing investigation. “There is no authority for a protective order blanket, for an indefinite period of time,” Judge Cochran stated, emphasizing the necessity of a question-by-question approach in legal proceedings.

Understanding the Ongoing Investigation into Manson’s Allegations

In a pivotal moment in 2021, actress and former girlfriend of Manson, Evan Rachel Wood, publicly identified him as her abuser, which ignited a wave of additional accusations from multiple individuals. This revelation followed years of speculation stemming from her testimony before Congress in 2018, where she alluded to her experiences without naming Manson. The fallout from these allegations prompted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to initiate an investigation, which included a raid on Manson’s residence in November 2021, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

After the case was handed to the District Attorney in September 2022, its sluggish progress became a topic of discussion during recent elections, particularly as Benjamin Hochman unseated the previous District Attorney, George Gascon. In October, Hochman invited Esme Blanco, one of Manson’s accusers, to voice her frustrations regarding the lack of progress. Gascon later acknowledged that “new evidence has emerged within the last few weeks,” indicating that they are diligently reviewing it to determine the next steps regarding potential charges against Manson.

Details of Ashley Walters’ Lawsuit Against Manson

Ashley Walters, one of the first individuals to publicly accuse Manson, filed her lawsuit against him in 2021. In her legal complaint, she asserts that she was employed as Manson’s personal assistant starting in 2010, during which she endured various forms of abuse, including being whipped, having plates thrown at her, being pinned down, bitten, and subjected to inappropriate sexual advances. These allegations paint a troubling picture of Manson’s behavior during her employment.

Moreover, Walters has recounted witnessing Manson’s violent tendencies directed towards Wood, recalling an incident where he threw a prop skull at her, resulting in a significant injury. Manson has publicly denied these allegations, which raises questions about the veracity of the claims and the overall dynamics of their relationships.

In 2022, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge initially dismissed Walters’ case, citing the statute of limitations as the reason for the dismissal. However, in a significant turn of events, Walters successfully appealed this decision in December 2023, allowing her lawsuit to proceed and giving her a renewed opportunity to seek justice.

Current Status of Marilyn Manson’s Legal Battles

According to Rolling Stone, Manson’s legal team is currently in discussions with the office of District Attorney Hochman. “What we envision is that the Los Angeles D.A. will make a decision on whether to pursue the charges or conclude their investigation. We are hopeful that with the new district attorney in place, this situation will be addressed in the upcoming weeks,” stated Manson’s attorney, Will Skinner, during court proceedings.

When Judge Cochran inquired about the implications if the District Attorney’s office remained silent, it prompted a discussion on case progression. Walters’ attorney, Kate McFarlane, articulated that while Manson has the right to invoke his Fifth Amendment privilege, it should not serve as a tool for delaying justice. “He doesn’t get to use it as a delay tactic,” she emphasized.

In a follow-up statement to Rolling Stone, McFarlane stated, “While he has a right to utilize the Fifth Amendment, it is not intended to obstruct victims from attaining justice. This is precisely how he is attempting to use it—to shield his reprehensible actions from scrutiny.” Currently, Walters’ case is slated for trial in June 2025, a key date for those following this high-profile legal saga.

Marilyn Manson’s Return to the Music Scene Amidst Legal Challenges

Following the serious allegations against him in 2021, Marilyn Manson largely withdrew from the music industry. However, in March of this year, he announced his return with plans for his first concert since the allegations surfaced. By May, he began to share updates about his musical comeback, signaling his intent to re-establish himself within the industry.

READ MORE: Who Is In Marilyn Manson’s Live Band in 2024?

Manson has since resumed touring and released his latest album, One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, in November. His return to music amidst ongoing legal troubles raises questions about the intersection of art and personal accountability.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, there are resources available to provide support. Please visit RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) online or call 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) for assistance.