A several year -year investigation into Rock Star Marilyn Manson for allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence was abandoned, California prosecutors announced on Friday.
Prosecutors said in a statement that allegations against Manson exceeded the limitation period, adding “we cannot prove the accusations of sexual assault beyond any reasonable doubt”.
Four women had brought prosecution against Manson – whose legal name is Brian Warner – accusing him of rape, sexual assault and assault and injuries.
Through his lawyer, Warner has repeatedly denied the accusations and rejected affirmations as “lies”.
Howard King, Warner’s lawyer, said in a statement to the BBC that he was “very satisfied” with the decision and that his client had always proclaimed his innocence.
Among the four women who brought prosecution accusing Warner of sexual and physical abuse are the model Ashley Morgan Smithline, the actress of Game of Thrones Esmé Bianco and the former personal assistant of Warner, Ashley Walters. The fourth woman has chosen to remain anonymous.
“We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of women who have come forward to report and share their experiences,” said Nathan J. Hochman, of the Los Angeles County Prosecutor’s Office, in the statement.
“We thank them for their cooperation and their patience in the investigation.”
The authorities began their surveys in 2021, leaning on alleged incidents that occurred between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Warner lived.
In total, more than a dozen women had worn allegations against rock star, including his ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood.
Smithline – who filed the most recent complaint against the four women – said in court documents that Warner had “threatened several times” his life, saying that he would “find her” and “would kill her if she left him” .
His testimony echoed the experiences of Walters who, in court documents, described Warner as a terrifying and violent boss who gave his friends the permission to let her and kiss her. He also made it work 48 hours in a row.
Since the allegations were formulated, the label, the reservation agent and the Warner manager have broken their ties with him.
“Obviously, my art and my life have long aroused controversy, but these recent affirmations about my subject are horrible distortions of reality,” Warner wrote in a publication on Instagram in February 2021.
