Judge Dismisses Marilyn Manson Sexual Assault Lawsuit

A Los Angeles County judge dismissed a sexual assault and battery lawsuit against musician Marilyn Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, on Tuesday, ruling that claims by his former personal assistant Ashley Walters fell outside California's statute of limitations. The decision, handed down by Judge Steve Cochran, cancels a trial that had been scheduled to begin next month and marks the second time the case has been thrown out on timing grounds.

Walters, who worked as Warner's assistant from 2010 to 2011, filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Warner subjected her to sexual harassment, physical abuse, and psychological manipulation during her employment. She claimed he whipped her, threw plates at her in drug-fueled rages, pinned her down, bit her ear, forced her hand into his underwear, and threatened her safety. Walters also accused Warner of forcing her to stay awake for up to 48 hours by providing cocaine and making her stand on a chair for 12 hours while photographing him. In addition, she alleged he encouraged friends to grope and kiss her without consent and boasted about evading consequences for raping women.

The initial complaint was dismissed in May 2022 because...