Marilyn Manson, aka Brian Warner, has formally dropped his defamation lawsuit in opposition to ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wooden, bringing a dramatic authorized battle to a detailed practically three years after it started. The shock rocker had filed the swimsuit in March 2022, claiming Wooden had “publicly solid” him as a “rapist and abuser,” allegations he mentioned derailed his music, TV, and movie profession. He additionally accused the Westworld actress of impersonating an FBI agent—a declare that sparked headlines world wide.
Quick ahead to right this moment, Manson has not solely deserted the case but in addition agreed to pay Wooden’s legal professional charges, totaling practically $327,000.
“Marilyn Manson — whose actual title is Brian Warner — filed a lawsuit in opposition to Ms. Wooden as a publicity stunt to attempt to undermine the credibility of his many accusers and revive his faltering profession,” Wooden’s legal professional Michael J. Kump shared in an announcement through Selection. “Warner’s resolution to lastly abandon his lawsuit and pay Ms. Wooden her full payment award…confirms as a lot.”
On Manson’s aspect, legal professional Howard King expressed reduction at transferring previous the scenario, stating, “After 4 years of preventing a battle the place he was capable of inform the reality, Brian is happy to dismiss his still-pending claims and attraction with a view to shut the door on this chapter of his life.”
Wooden’s attorneys had beforehand filed to dismiss most of Manson’s claims underneath the anti-SLAPP statute, which protects free speech underneath the First Modification. The courtroom finally granted the movement and ordered Manson to cowl Wooden’s authorized charges. Whereas Manson’s crew initially appealed the ruling and tried to barter a settlement—together with a confidentiality settlement—it appears these efforts fell flat, resulting in the present decision.
Wooden first accused Manson of sexual assault and abuse in February 2021, prompting a number of different girls to return ahead with their very own allegations. Manson’s defamation lawsuit adopted a yr later however now stands as one other chapter closed of their contentious public feud.
As Manson places this authorized battle behind him, the concentration is going to doubtless stay on the broader conversations round abuse within the leisure business. Wooden continues to advocate for survivors, whereas Manson seeks to rebuild his public picture.
What are your ideas on this high-profile authorized showdown? Do you assume Manson’s resolution to drop the case indicators closure, or does this elevate additional questions? Please share your ideas and suggestions within the remark part under.
November 27, 2024 7:08 am