Major Controversies Surrounding Marilyn Manson: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around Marilyn Manson—discover key moments of controversy.
Marilyn Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, is an American rock musician and the frontman of the band Marilyn Manson, which he founded in 1989. Known for his controversial stage persona and blending of shock rock with industrial and alternative metal, Manson's band members, including himself, adopted stage names combining a female sex symbol's first name with a male serial killer's last name. Manson's own name is derived from Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson, reflecting the band's themes of juxtaposing beauty and darkness.
May 30, 1996: Empower America press conference criticizes record industry
On May 30, 1996, Empower America held a press conference with William Bennett, Joseph Lieberman, and C. Delores Tucker to criticize the record industry for selling "prepackaged, shrink-wrapped nihilism." Marilyn Manson was referenced, with Smells Like Children called the "dirtiest, nastiest porno record directed at children that has ever hit the market".
December 1996: Empower America criticizes MCA for profiting from Manson
In December 1996, Empower America criticized MCA president Edgar Bronfman Jr. for profiting from "profanity-laced" albums by Marilyn Manson, Tupac Shakur, and Snoop Dogg. Manson's live performances also came under fire.
1996: Release of "Antichrist Superstar"
In 1996, the band Marilyn Manson released the album "Antichrist Superstar", which sparked controversy.
November 1997: Congressional hearings examine Manson's lyrics
In November 1997, Marilyn Manson's lyrical content was examined during congressional hearings led by Lieberman and Sam Brownback, attempting to determine the effects of violent lyrics on young listeners. Raymond Kuntz blamed his son's suicide on Antichrist Superstar, and Lieberman called the band the "sickest group ever promoted by a mainstream record company".
1998: Co-Headlining "Beautiful Monsters Tour" with Hole
In 1998, Marilyn Manson embarked on the "Beautiful Monsters Tour" with Hole to promote Mechanical Animals. The tour was plagued with conflict and was eventually renamed the "Rock Is Dead Tour" after Hole's departure.
April 20, 1999: Columbine High School Massacre and Media Backlash
On April 20, 1999, the Columbine High School massacre occurred, leading to immediate media criticism of Goth subculture and allegations that the perpetrators were influenced by Marilyn Manson's music, though it was later found they had "nothing but contempt" for Manson. Sensationalist headlines and accusations further fueled the controversy.
1999: Congressional Hearing on Violence in Entertainment
In 1999, a congressional hearing was held to discuss violence in entertainment, with figures like William Bennet and others criticizing Marilyn Manson and his music as contributing to a cultural environment enabling violence, such as the Columbine shootings.
2000: Implication in Murder and Arrest in Rome
In 2000, Marilyn Manson was implicated in the murder of an elderly nun in Italy, with her murderers' diaries referencing him. Soon after, he was arrested following a concert in Rome for allegedly "tearing off his genitals".
2000: Release of "Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)"
In 2000, the band released the album "Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)" in response to media blaming Manson for the Columbine High School massacre.
2000: Inspiration for Holy Wood Album
In 2000, the lyrical content of Marilyn Manson's album 'Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)' was largely inspired by the Columbine massacre, serving as a rebuttal to accusations leveled against him by mainstream media.
2002: Discussion in Bowling for Columbine
In 2002, Marilyn Manson discussed the Columbine massacre and its aftermath in Michael Moore's documentary 'Bowling for Columbine'.
June 30, 2003: Jodi Jones Murder and Trial
On June 30, 2003, Jodi Jones was murdered in Scotland, and later her boyfriend Luke Mitchell was convicted. During the trial, Marilyn Manson's film and paintings were presented as evidence, with the judge believing Mitchell was influenced by Manson's artwork.
2003: Blame for Vandalism in France
In 2003, French media blamed Marilyn Manson when several teenagers vandalized the graves of British war heroes in Arras, France.
May 18, 2009: Larose-Cut Off Middle School Incident
On May 18, 2009, Justin Doucet shot himself at Larose-Cut Off Middle School in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, after demanding a teacher say "Hail Marilyn Manson".
2018: Charlyne Yi's Accusation
In 2018, actor Charlyne Yi accused Marilyn Manson of harassing them and other women on the set of the series House.
August 19, 2019: Incident with Videographer
On August 19, 2019, an incident occurred during a Marilyn Manson concert in New Hampshire where he allegedly blew his nose on a videographer.
September 2020: Former Acquaintances Communicate
In September 2020, several of Marilyn Manson's former acquaintances began communicating with one another.
January 21, 2021: Susan Rubio's Letter
On January 21, 2021, California State Senator Susan Rubio wrote to the FBI and U.S. Attorney General, requesting an investigation into allegations against Marilyn Manson.
2021: Abuse Allegations
In 2021, Evan Rachel Wood accused Marilyn Manson of psychological and sexual abuse, leading to further accusations and lawsuits.
2021: Collaboration on Kanye West's "Donda"
In 2021, Marilyn Manson co-wrote and was featured on "Jail pt 2" from Kanye West's album Donda. He also appeared at promotional events and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album.
September 2022: LACSD Presents Investigation Findings
In September 2022, the LACSD presented the findings of their investigation of the sexual assault allegations against Marilyn Manson to California district attorney George Gascón, who requested more evidence.
January 2023: Out-of-Court Settlement with Esmé Bianco
In January 2023, Esmé Bianco and Marilyn Manson reached an out-of-court settlement with undisclosed terms of agreement regarding her lawsuit.
January 2023: Jane Doe Lawsuit Filed
In January 2023, another plaintiff identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, alleging grooming and sexual assault in the 1990s.
February 2023: Smithline Recants Allegations
In February 2023, Ashley Morgan Smithline recanted her allegations against Marilyn Manson in legal documents, claiming she was manipulated by Evan Rachel Wood and her associates.
September 2023: Plea and Sentencing in Assault Case
In September 2023, Marilyn Manson plead nolo contendere to a misdemeanor count of simple assault for the 2019 incident. He received a sentence of community service and a fine.
September 2023: Settlement of First Jane Doe Lawsuit
In September 2023, Marilyn Manson settled the first Jane Doe lawsuit. The settlement was reached the week before the case was scheduled to go to trial.
December 2023: Walters' Lawsuit Reinstated
In December 2023, Ashley Walters's lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, which had been previously dismissed, was reinstated following an appeal to the California Courts of Appeal.
July 2024: Dismissal of Portions of Jane Doe Lawsuit
In July 2024, substantive portions of the Jane Doe lawsuit were dismissed as the claims fell outside the remit of New York's Adult Survivors Act.
October 10, 2024: Gascón Considers New Evidence
On October 10, 2024, district attorney George Gascón announced he was considering new evidence in the sexual assault allegations case against Marilyn Manson.
November 2024: Discontinuation of Lawsuit Against Wood and Gore
In November 2024, Marilyn Manson discontinued his lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood and Ashley "Illma" Gore, agreeing to pay Wood's legal fees.
January 2025: No Charges Filed in Abuse Allegations
In January 2025, the LACSD concluded their 4-year criminal investigation, and district attorney Nathan Hochman announced that charges would not be filed against Marilyn Manson for domestic violence or sexual abuse due to lack of sufficient evidence and statute of limitations.
2025: Criminal Investigation Concludes
In 2025, a four-year criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department concluded with no charges filed against Marilyn Manson due to lack of evidence regarding abuse allegations.
