Billy Corgan explains why he stands by Marilyn Manson

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan said his Christian beliefs and personal judgment informed his decision to maintain his nearly 30-year friendship with Marilyn Manson, while acknowledging he was not present for the alleged abuse and could not know everything that happened. Corgan made the comments during an appearance on the New York Times podcast Popcast, where he was asked how he decides whether to remain close to people accused of sexual assault and violence. He said he believed friends should be supported without abandoning criticism, and that he did not personally believe Manson was guilty of the accusations against him. Corgan’s assessment reflects his own view, not independent evidence about the allegations. Corgan said he had learned private information about the case and considered the fact that prosecutors did not bring criminal charges. He also said that anyone found guilty of such conduct should go to jail. He described his decision as personal and case-specific, and objected to pressure from others over whom he should associate with. The friendship, he said, goes back close to three decades. The two musicians have worked together, including on the 2015 End...