Evan Rachel Wood’s Bold Stand as Manson Avoids Assault Charges: A Survivor’s Fight for Justice

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Evan Rachel Wood has commented on the decision not to press charges against Marilyn Manson (formerly known as Brian Warner) in relation to domestic abuse and sexual assault claims. The pair were in a romantic relationship from 2007 to 2010, with an engagement in between before their split. In 2021, Wood publicly accused Manson of sexual assault, mental abuse, and physical violence, with over a dozen other women making similar allegations. Since then, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has been conducting an investigation into these accusations, but specific details about the probe and its focus have not been disclosed.

Last Friday, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman acknowledged “the bravery and strength of the women who spoke up,” but his office decided not to pursue charges due to the fact that accusations of domestic violence are past the statute of limitations, and there isn’t enough evidence to prove sexual assault claims beyond a shadow of doubt. In response, on her personal Instagram (as reported by PEOPLE), Wood addressed her followers on the same day, expressing her thoughts about the situation.

Our attorney and I were informed by the Deputy District Attorneys and sheriff investigators who looked into our case that there was strong evidence backing up our arguments. Unfortunately, due to the statute of limitations, most of those crimes can’t be brought to court. We anticipated this issue is why we established the Phoenix Act, so other victims wouldn’t face a similar predicament.

In 2019, the Phoenix Act – a piece of legislation developed by Wood alongside legislators and survivors of domestic violence – was enacted. This law provides additional time for victims of domestic violence to report incidents, extending the deadline for felony crimes from three years to five years. This act, now part of California law, additionally requires police officers to undergo more comprehensive training to better identify and aid survivors of domestic violence, with the goal of improving their response capabilities.

Unfortunately, the Phoenix Act doesn’t apply to incidents that took place before it was enacted, serving as a reminder of the need to champion stronger legal reforms. It’s crucial that evidence of violent crimes isn’t subject to an expiration date. I appreciate the diligent efforts of law enforcement, and I am continually inspired by survivors who bravely shared their truth for the sake of protecting others.

Evan Rachel Wood, Esmé Bianco, and the Accusations Against Marilyn Manson

2007 marked the start of Manson and Wood’s romantic involvement, with him being 38 and her 19 at the time. They parted ways shortly after getting engaged in 2010. Six years post-separation, Wood disclosed that she had been a victim of rape by a past partner. In February 2021, she leveled accusations against Manson, claiming sexual assault, psychological abuse, and physical violence during their relationship. In response to these allegations, Manson filed a lawsuit against Wood in 2022 for defamation, emotional distress, and other charges, asserting that the Westworld actress and her companion had manipulated other women into making false accusations against him. The same year, Wood appeared in HBO’s Phoenix Rising, a two-part documentary where she detailed her encounters with domestic violence and pursuit of justice. Manson withdrew his lawsuit in 2024.

As a dedicated film lover, I’ve been following the troubling allegations against a renowned musician and actor. A staggering sixteen women have come forward with accusations, four of whom have sued him for sexual assault. Among these brave souls is Esmé Bianco, famously known for her role in “Game of Thrones.” In 2021, she filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault, abuse, and battery. This case was settled out of court.

In response to the Associated Press, Esmé Bianco, who was part of the criminal investigation, expressed her disappointment with the decision of the District Attorney but, sadly, not surprise: “I am disappointed by the decision of the District Attorney, but unfortunately, not surprised.

Once more, I find myself deeply disheartened by the shortcomings of our justice system. It’s not about the dedicated investigators and advocates who tirelessly pursued this case over years; rather, it’s the larger system that seemed to hinder them, leaving them to work with a sense of limitation.

Just as anticipated, Manson appears to be quite satisfied with the result. In a statement, his legal representative, Howard King, conveyed this feeling and also declared Manson’s innocence.

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2025-01-26 21:03