Appeals Court Reinstates Sexual Assault Case Against Marilyn Manson
The sexual assault lawsuit against musician Marilyn Manson, which includes accusations of harassment, discrimination, and battery, has been reactivated in an appellate court, as reported by Billboard. Initially filed in 2021 by Manson’s ex-personal assistant, Ashley Walters, the case was previously dismissed due to surpassing California’s two-year statute of limitations. However, the appellate court has reinstated the lawsuit, acknowledging Walters’ argument that her trauma-induced memory suppression delayed her realization of the events until 2020.
According to the court’s statement, “Walters contends that it wasn’t until she underwent diagnosis and treatment that she could recall the suppressed incidents. Once she did, understanding them as abuse took additional time.” The court concluded that these claims of memory repression and psychological blockage were substantial enough to prevent the case’s dismissal.
James Vagnini, Walters’ lawyer, highlighted the significance of this decision: “This judgment underscores the necessity for courts to consider trauma-induced memory repression in survivors’ delayed accusations. It paves the way, similar to recent legislation across the nation, for sexual assault and harassment victims to confront their perpetrators when they’re ready, rather than being constrained by statutory deadlines.” Marilyn Manson’s legal representative did not comment on the matter when approached by Newsound.
Manson has recently resolved two other sexual assault lawsuits: one by ‘Game of Thrones’ actress Esmé Bianco and another by an anonymous individual known as Jane Doe. Another lawsuit filed by Ashley Morgan Smithline in 2021 was dismissed, and she subsequently withdrew her allegations. Manson faces a fresh lawsuit from another Jane Doe, alleging grooming and abuse from her teenage years in the 1990s, which Manson denies. Additionally, his defamation lawsuit against actress Evan Rachel Wood is still in progress.
For those affected by sexual assault seeking support:
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), website
- Crisis Text Line: SMS “HERE” to 741-741, Facebook chat support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marilyn Manson lawsuit
What is the status of Marilyn Manson’s sexual assault lawsuit filed by his former assistant?
The sexual assault lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, filed by his former personal assistant Ashley Walters, has been revived by an appeals court. The case was initially dismissed for exceeding California’s statute of limitations, but the court recognized Walters’ argument that her trauma-induced memory repression delayed her recognition of the abuse.
How does the appeals court’s decision impact the handling of trauma-related cases?
The appeals court’s decision to reinstate Ashley Walters’ lawsuit against Marilyn Manson emphasizes the legal acknowledgment of trauma-induced memory repression. It sets a precedent for considering delayed realizations of abuse due to psychological factors in legal proceedings, potentially influencing how similar cases are handled in the future.
What are the other legal battles Marilyn Manson is currently facing?
Besides the revived lawsuit by Ashley Walters, Marilyn Manson has recently settled two sexual assault cases filed by actress Esmé Bianco and an individual known as Jane Doe. He also faces a new lawsuit from another Jane Doe alleging abuse from the 1990s, and his defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood is ongoing.
Where can individuals affected by sexual assault find support?
Individuals affected by sexual assault can seek support from the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and the Crisis Text Line by texting “HERE” to 741-741. Both services offer confidential support and resources.
More about Marilyn Manson lawsuit
- Billboard Report on Manson Lawsuit
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Crisis Text Line
- Newsound Coverage of Manson’s Legal Issues
