Billboard has reported that an appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, involving allegations of sexual assault, discrimination, battery, and harassment. Initially dismissed due to surpassing California’s two-year statute of limitations, the suit filed by Ashley Walters, Manson’s ex-personal assistant in 2021, now sees new life. The court acknowledged the delayed discovery rule’s applicability, citing Walters’ claims of repressed memories due to trauma, which she says surfaced only in 2020.
The court’s statement detailed, “Walters was incapable of recalling these repressed incidents until after receiving diagnosis and treatment. When the memories resurfaced, she struggled to immediately recognize them as abuse.” This justification was deemed adequate to overturn the previous dismissal.
James Vagnini, representing Walters, commented, “This decision underscores the need for courts to consider trauma-induced memory repression in legal evaluations, allowing survivors to come forward when ready, not constrained by statutory deadlines.” Meanwhile, Manson’s legal team declined to comment, as reported by Newsound.
This year, Manson resolved two separate rape allegations through settlements: one with ‘Game of Thrones’ actress Esmé Bianco and another involving an individual known as Jane Doe. Ashley Morgan Smithline, who filed a lawsuit against Manson in 2021, later withdrew her accusations. Additionally, Manson faces a recent lawsuit from another Jane Doe, alleging grooming and abuse starting in her teens during the 1990s, which Manson denies. His defamation case against Evan Rachel Wood is still in progress.
For those affected by sexual assault, support is available:
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1 800 656 HOPE (4673), www.rainn.org
- Crisis Text Line: SMS text “HERE” to 741-741, Facebook chat support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Marilyn Manson Lawsuit
What is the recent development in the sexual assault lawsuit against Marilyn Manson?
An appeals court has reinstated the lawsuit filed by Ashley Walters, Manson’s former personal assistant, against Marilyn Manson. The lawsuit, which includes allegations of sexual assault, discrimination, battery, and harassment, was previously dismissed due to exceeding California’s statute of limitations but has been revived on the grounds of trauma-induced memory repression.
How does the delayed discovery rule apply to Ashley Walters’ lawsuit?
The delayed discovery rule applies to Walters’ lawsuit as she argued that the traumatic experiences led to the suppression of her memories until 2020. The appeals court accepted this argument, stating that Walters could not recall the incidents until after receiving treatment and diagnosis, and initially struggled to recognize them as abuse.
What was the reaction of Walters’ attorney to the appeals court decision?
James Vagnini, representing Ashley Walters, stated that the appeals court’s ruling highlights the importance of considering trauma-induced memory repression in legal judgments. He emphasized that this decision allows survivors of sexual assault and harassment to come forward when they are ready, rather than being restricted by statutory deadlines.
Has Marilyn Manson faced other similar lawsuits?
Yes, Marilyn Manson has settled two lawsuits over alleged rape this year, one with actress Esmé Bianco and another with a woman referred to as Jane Doe. Additionally, a 2021 lawsuit filed by Ashley Morgan Smithline was dismissed, and she later recanted her allegations. Manson is also involved in a lawsuit by another Jane Doe alleging grooming and abuse from the 1990s, as well as an ongoing defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood.
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 visit www.rainn.org. They can also reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting “HERE” to 741-741 or use the Facebook chat support at www.facebook.com/crisistextline.
More about Marilyn Manson Lawsuit
- Billboard Report on Manson Lawsuit
- Details on California’s Statute of Limitations
- Information on Trauma-Induced Memory Repression
- Newsound Coverage of Manson’s Legal Issues
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Crisis Text Line Support Information
