Marilyn Manson’s former assistant, Ashley Walters, is gearing up for a legal showdown with the controversial singer as her lawsuit against him heads to trial.
Initially dismissed in May 2022, Walters’ claims of abuse against Manson were reinstated in December following an appeal. The saga now culminates in a jury trial set for June 2, 2025, in Los Angeles County. Despite attempts at mediation in December, the two parties failed to reach a settlement, paving the way for a public reckoning.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Walters’ lawyer, James Vagnini, expressed optimism about the forthcoming trial: “We are relieved to put the delays behind us and look forward to presenting all the facts to a jury next year. We trust that they will recognize the injustices suffered by Ms. Walters and send a clear message to all survivors of such egregious abuse.”
Walters’ allegations against Manson paint a disturbing picture of her time as his personal assistant from 2010 to 2011. She accuses Manson of a litany of abuses, including biting her ear, sexual assault, physical violence, and psychological torment. Despite Manson’s legal team successfully invoking the statute of limitations in 2022, a tribunal’s intervention breathed new life into Walters’ pursuit of justice.
Meanwhile, Manson’s legal woes extend beyond Walters’ lawsuit. In February, he received community service for an incident involving a videographer at a 2019 concert in New Hampshire. Having completed his service at a California nonprofit, Manson met the court’s requirements before the deadline.
Amidst the legal battles, Manson recently made headlines with the announcement of his first tour since 2019. Teaming up with Five Finger Death Punch and Slaughter To Prevail for a summer 2024 tour, the tour’s announcement sparked controversy in light of the abuse allegations against Manson. In response to the criticism, FFDP guitarist Zoltan Bathory defended Manson’s return to the stage, citing fan demand and Manson’s absence from touring in recent years.
