Challenges Faced by Marilyn Manson: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Marilyn Manson. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Marilyn Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, is an American rock musician, best known as the lead singer and founder of the band Marilyn Manson in 1989. His stage name, like those of his former bandmates, is a combination of a female sex symbol's first name and a male serial killer's last name; in Manson's case, Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson. He is the only remaining original member of the band. Manson is known for his controversial stage persona and musical style that often explores themes of rebellion, anti-establishment sentiment, and societal critique.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

May 30, 1996: Empower America press conference

On May 30, 1996, Empower America held a press conference criticizing the record industry for selling "prepackaged, shrink-wrapped nihilism," with C. Delores Tucker calling Marilyn Manson's Smells Like Children the "dirtiest, nastiest porno record directed at children that has ever hit the market."

September 1996: Settlement with Gidget Gein

In September 1996, former bassist Gidget Gein reached a settlement with Marilyn Manson, entitling him to US$17,500, 20 percent of royalties for recordings and songs he contributed to, a share of other royalties, and the right to market himself as a former member of Marilyn Manson, though the settlement was ultimately not honored.

December 1996: Empower America criticizes MCA and Manson

In December 1996, Empower America criticized MCA president Edgar Bronfman Jr. for profiting from Marilyn Manson's "profanity-laced" albums. The band's live performances during the "Dead to the World Tour" also faced protests, with opponents making claims about Satanism and other illicit activities.

1996: Departure of Scott Putesky

In the Spring of 1996, Scott Putesky (a.k.a. Daisy Berkowitz) departed from the Marilyn Manson band. He later filed a lawsuit for unpaid royalties, publishing rights, and performance fees in January 1998.

January 1998: Scott Putesky files lawsuit

In January 1998, former guitarist Scott Putesky (a.k.a. Daisy Berkowitz) filed a $15 million lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, the band, and their attorney, alleging unpaid royalties, publishing rights, and performance fees following his departure from the group in the spring of 1996.

November 30, 1998: Craig Marks files lawsuit against Manson

On November 30, 1998, following reported backstage and hotel room damages during the Mechanical Animals Tour, SPIN editor Craig Marks filed a $24 million lawsuit against Marilyn Manson and his bodyguards, alleging assault.

1998: Beautiful Monsters Tour with Hole

In 1998, Marilyn Manson and Hole embarked on the "Beautiful Monsters Tour" to promote Mechanical Animals. The tour was marked by conflict, financial disputes, and Hole's early departure, after which the tour was renamed "Rock Is Dead Tour".

February 19, 1999: Manson counter-sues Craig Marks

On February 19, 1999, Marilyn Manson filed a US$40 million counter-suit against SPIN editor Craig Marks for libel, slander, and defamation after Marks had sued him for assault. Marks later dropped his lawsuit, and Manson apologized for the incident and offered financial restitution.

October 27, 2000: David Diaz lawsuit

On October 27, 2000, security officer David Diaz sued Marilyn Manson for US$75,000 in a Minneapolis federal court, alleging battery from a concert in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The jury found in Manson's favor.

July 30, 2001: Joshua Keasler lawsuit

On July 30, 2001, Marilyn Manson was charged with sexual misconduct against security officer Joshua Keasler during a concert in Clarkston, Michigan, leading to a civil suit. Manson pleaded no contest to reduced charges of misdemeanor disorderly conduct, paid a US$4,000 fine, and settled the lawsuit under undisclosed terms.

April 3, 2002: Maria St. John files lawsuit

On April 3, 2002, Maria St. John filed a lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, accusing him of providing her daughter, Jennifer Syme, with cocaine and instructing her to drive under the influence, which resulted in Syme's death after a party at Manson's house.

August 2, 2007: Stephen Bier files lawsuit

On August 2, 2007, former band member Stephen Bier (a.k.a. Madonna Wayne Gacy) filed a lawsuit against Marilyn Manson for unpaid "partnership proceeds," seeking $20 million in back pay.

December 2007: Manson counter-sues Stephen Bier

In December 2007, Marilyn Manson countersued former band member Stephen Bier, claiming Bier had failed to fulfill his duties as a band member by not playing for recordings or promoting the band.

December 28, 2009: Settlement with Stephen Bier

On December 28, 2009, the lawsuit between Marilyn Manson and former band member Stephen Bier was settled, with Bier's attorneys receiving a total of $380,000.

April 25, 2010: Postponement of "Hell, etc." art exhibition

On April 25, 2010, the original closing date for Marilyn Manson's "Hell, etc." art exhibition, the exhibition was postponed due to a volcanic ash cloud. The exhibition was rescheduled to run from April 28, 2010, until May 2, 2010.

2010: Production shut down on Phantasmagoria

In 2010, studio bosses shut down production on Marilyn Manson's film Phantasmagoria, due to viewer responses to violent content.

April 4, 2015: Withdrawal from Phantasmagoria

On April 4, 2015, Marilyn Manson commented that he had withdrawn from the Phantasmagoria project due to the writing process being damaging to his psyche.

2017: Release of Heaven Upside Down and stage injury

In 2017, Marilyn Manson released the album "Heaven Upside Down", with the single "Kill4Me" becoming the band's highest-peaking single on Billboard's Mainstream Rock. While touring, Manson was injured by falling stage props, breaking his fibula.

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2021: Abuse allegations against Manson

In 2021, former partner Evan Rachel Wood accused Marilyn Manson of psychological and sexual abuse, allegations which Manson denied. Other women followed with similar accusations, and five women sued him in civil court.

2025: Criminal investigation concludes without charges

In 2025, a four-year criminal investigation of the abuse allegations against Marilyn Manson by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department concluded with no charges filed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations and a lack of evidence.