Amid criticism of its handling of the case, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascón announced this week that he is studying new evidence in the investigation into the sexual abuse of singer Marilyn Manson.
“New evidence has emerged over the past few weeks, adding to an already voluminous case presented to our office” by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Gascón said in a news release Wednesday. “It is our office’s responsibility to ensure we have a complete picture of the admissible evidence available before making a filing decision.”
Gascón said prosecutors in his office’s sex crimes division are still reviewing new leads and additional evidence. Staff members have met with victims, he said, and his office is expected to make a decision soon on whether to file charges against Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner.
“Game of Thrones” actress Esme Bianco accused Gascón during a news conference Thursday of mishandling the case against Manson. Bianco sued the musician in 2021, alleging sexual assault, sexual assault and human trafficking. They settled the lawsuit in 2023.
Bianco said she had been waiting for more than two years for Gascón to decide whether to bring criminal charges against Manson. She also said that Gascón refused to speak to her about the matter.
Actress Esme Bianco listens Thursday during a press conference criticizing LA County Dist. Atty. George Gascón’s management of the case involving singer Marilyn Manson.
(Michael Blackshire/Los Angeles Times)
“Almost four years ago, I did what rape victims are supposed to do: I went to the police,” she said in a statement. “I described in distressing detail how musician Brian Warner, better known as Marilyn Manson, raped and abused me during our relationship. Despite a thorough investigation and hundreds of pieces of evidence submitted to the prosecution, I am still waiting for justice.”
In his statement, Gascón said his office “is committed to ensuring that [Manson’s alleged victims] are treated with dignity and respect. He rebuffed requests to meet with them while the investigation unfolded, he said, because “it would be inappropriate for me, as district attorney, to meet with the victims during this time.”
Manson stopped his concert tours several years ago after at least four women came forward, claiming the singer sexually and physically abused them, but he resumed concerts this year and plans to release a new album in november. He denied the allegations.
Among Manson’s accusers is “Westworld” actress Evan Rachel Wood, who dated Manson for three years, starting when he was 19 and when he was 37. In response, Manson sued Wood for defamation; parts of his lawsuit were thrown out by a judge in August.
Manson’s former assistant, Ashley Walters, also sued Manson, alleging sexual assault and harassment.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department launched an investigation into Manson in November 2021 and searched the singer’s home. The investigation was entrusted to Gascón’s office; no charges have been filed in this case.
