Marilyn Manson Sexual Assault Lawsuit Revived Under New California Law

Former assistant’s sexual assault lawsuit against Marilyn Manson gains new life thanks to updated California legislation.

When Time Gives Justice a Second Chance

If you thought the legal battles surrounding Marilyn Manson had quieted down, think again. The sexual assault lawsuit filed by Ashley Walters, one of Marilyn Manson’s former assistants, has been revived, breathing new life into a case thought to be dismissed for good. This revival comes on the back of a recent change in California law, extending the period during which such claims can be brought to court.

Marilyn Manson, a figure both loved and controversial, faces renewed legal scrutiny.

The Backstory: Lawsuit Dismissed, Then Reborn

The lawsuit initially hit the courts in 2021, with Ashley Walters accusing Marilyn Manson (real name Brian Warner) of sexual assault and harassment. The case encountered roadblocks and was dismissed multiple times, largely due to the statute of limitations—a legal rule setting the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated.

In January 2025, after years of investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced that Manson would not face criminal charges. Then, in December of the same year, the sexual assault lawsuit was officially dropped. It felt like a dead end for Walters.

But then came the twist.

How a New Law Changed Everything

California Assembly Bill 250, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, has made a significant impact on cases like Walters’. This new legislation extends the eligibility period for reviving claims that would otherwise be barred due to expired statutes of limitations, specifically for people over 18 years old. The revival window has been extended by two years—giving victims a longer period to seek justice.

This legal change led Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran to reconsider Walters’ lawsuit. Notably, Cochran himself had dismissed the case before, but the new law compelled him to grant the motion for reconsideration in a downtown L.A. courtroom.

Ashley Walters’ Story: From Social Media to Courtroom Battles

Walters alleges she first met Warner through social media. According to her lawsuit, she was invited to his home under the guise of a potential collaboration. Instead, she says she was pushed onto his bed, and he tried to put her hand inside his underwear—a chilling moment that led her to leave immediately. Despite this, Walters later accepted a job as Warner's assistant between 2010 and 2011, a period during which she claims to have endured further abuse.

The emotional weight of such allegations is profound, and the legal twists only add to the complexity of navigating justice in such cases.

A History of Controversy and Denials

Warner has consistently denied Walters’ allegations of sexual harassment, abuse, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and wrongful termination. This denial mirrors his stance on previous allegations from other accusers, including his former-fiancée, Westworld actress Evan Rachel Wood, and Game of Thrones star Esmé Bianco.

Despite this, Warner has resolved some cases out of court, such as his settlement with Bianco. In November 2024, he also dropped a defamation lawsuit against Wood—another sign of the ongoing turmoil surrounding his public and private life.

Legal Voices: Defense and Advocacy

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Warner’s attorney, Howard King, emphasized:

"The undeniable fact is that Mr. Warner never committed any sexual assault which undoubtedly is the reason the District Attorney declined Ms. Walters’ request that Mr. Warner be criminally charged."

On the other side, Walters’ lawyer Bina Ahmad expressed optimism about the lawsuit’s revival:

"We are thrilled for Ms. Walters. She has never given up fighting for justice."

This legal back-and-forth highlights the emotional and procedural challenges victims and accused alike face in cases involving allegations of this nature.

Support and Resources

If you or someone you know needs help regarding sexual harassment, assault, or rape, it’s important to reach out to trusted organizations. In the US, the RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) offers comprehensive support. For those in the UK, the Rape Crisis charity is a valuable resource.

The Ongoing Story of Justice and Fame

Marilyn Manson’s career has always been shadowed by controversy, but the revival of this lawsuit is a reminder that the pursuit of justice can stretch beyond initial setbacks. Laws evolve, giving new hope to those seeking accountability. Whether this revival leads to a resolution remains to be seen, but the renewed case ensures that Ashley Walters’ voice won’t be silenced anytime soon.

FAQ

• What is the new California law that revived the lawsuit?
  Assembly Bill 250 extends the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims by two years for adults, allowing previously time-barred cases to be reconsidered.
• Who is Ashley Walters in relation to Marilyn Manson?
  She is a former assistant who filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Manson, alleging abuse during her time working with him.
• Has Marilyn Manson faced similar allegations before?
  Yes, other accusers, including Evan Rachel Wood and Esmé Bianco, have made serious allegations against him.
• What was the original outcome of Walters’ lawsuit?
  It was dismissed due to statute of limitations issues but has now been revived under the new law.
• Where can victims of sexual assault find help?
  In the US, RAINN offers support, while in the UK, the Rape Crisis charity provides resources.

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