What The Raid On Marilyn Manson's Home Means For His Future
Los Angeles police officers have raided the home of musician Marilyn Manson as part of an ongoing investigation into domestic and sexual abuse claims from over a dozen women (via Yahoo). The sheriff's department reported that Manson, real name Brian Hugh Warner, was under a search warrant, following an investigation that began in February over the allegations of abuse.
Multiple women have come forward with allegations against the rock star, including actresses such as Evan Rachel Wood and "Game of Thrones" star Esme Bianco. Wood, formerly engaged to Manson, claims that Manson groomed her as a teenager before manipulating her into submission; their relationship became public in 2007 when Manson was 38 and Wood was 19 (via AP News). Bianco's claims are more harrowing, alleging that Manson deprived her of food and sleep, whipped her, electrocuted her, and threatened to rape her in the middle of the night. Manson has denied all allegations, claiming any acts were consensual.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
His future is unclear
According to People, the raid on Manson's home recovered hard drives and other media storage devices that will be reviewed before some of the lawsuits waged against the singer. While over 15 women have come forward with allegations of physical and sexual abuse against Manson, three have filed lawsuits, with a fourth thrown out since it was past the statute of limitations. Any evidence recovered on these hard drives, or other things recovered from the home, could sway the outcomes of the trial if something particularly incriminating — or exonerating — is found.
The effect of the raid on Manson's career is unclear, but so far the allegations have done little to affect the image of Manson, who has always courted controversy as part of his "shock rock" image. Less than a month before the raid, Manson appeared on stage alongside music superstars Kanye West and Justin Bieber as part of the Ye's Sunday Service event (via People). While representatives for Bieber were quick to claim that the pop star had no knowledge of Manson's attendance, it was the second time in two months that Manson and West had collaborated. For now, it seems the allegations are not preventing Manson from making collaborations with other artists, but should he be found guilty of the abuse that several women have claimed, it could be a long time before anyone has the singer on stage again.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).