Internet react as Marilyn Manson Ends Lawsuit Against Evan Rachel Wood, Agrees to Pay Legal Fees

Marilyn Manson, the controversial rock musician whose real name is Brian Warner, has officially dropped his lawsuit against actress and ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood. This marks the conclusion of a legal battle that began in 2022 after Wood accused Manson of sexual and physical abuse during their relationship.

The legal dispute, which also included an appeal to revive a defamation claim against Rachel Wood, has ended with Manson agreeing to pay nearly $327,000 in Wood’s attorney fees. According to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, this decision follows a prolonged back-and-forth that saw Manson attempting to settle the case earlier this year.

Marilyn Manson has settled his lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood, in which the musician had alleged defamation a year after Wood came forward with sexual abuse allegations against him.

As part of the agreement, Manson will pay roughly $327,000 in attorneys’ fees for the… pic.twitter.com/ESIaKUIlVu

— Variety (@Variety) November 26, 2024

A Failed Attempt to Settle

In the spring, Marilyn Manson had offered to pay a portion of Wood’s legal fees in exchange for a confidential settlement, coupled with a mutually agreed public statement. However, Wood rejected the offer, stating she would not agree to confidentiality or other terms. Subsequently, Manson decided to abandon the lawsuit entirely, covering the full amount of her legal expenses.

Wood’s legal team, represented by Michael Kump, Shawn Holley, and Katherine Kleindienst, issued a statement calling the lawsuit a “publicity stunt.” They emphasized that the court had ruled Manson’s claims as “meritless” and criticized his efforts as an attempt to undermine Wood’s credibility.

Marilyn Manson wanted to settle his lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood but keep the terms confidential, she refused and then he dropped the lawsuit anyway, paid her full attorney’s fees and didn’t insist on keeping the terms private. https://t.co/j1KjNnrAID pic.twitter.com/A0O2aLgKPg

— David 🇭🇰🇺🇦🕊️ (@AandcDavid) November 26, 2024

Wood’s Allegations and the Fallout

Wood’s accusations against Manson became public in 2021, when she alleged on Instagram that Manson groomed her as a teenager and subjected her to years of abuse. These claims were later detailed in the documentary Phoenix Rising, where she accused Manson of physical violence, sexual assault, and psychological manipulation.

Rachel Wood also claimed Marilyn Manson raped her during the filming of his 2007 music video for “Heart-Shaped Glasses” and shared disturbing accounts of his behavior during their time together. Her allegations inspired over a dozen other women to come forward with similar claims, some of which have resulted in lawsuits, settlements, or dismissals.

Is it because someone finally told him it's not defamation if what they're saying is actually true? 🤨

— Josh (@My_Movie_Corner) November 26, 2024

Marilyn Manson has consistently denied all allegations of abuse, accusing Wood of fabricating claims to tarnish his reputation. In his lawsuit, he alleged that Wood and her associate, Illma Gore, impersonated an FBI agent and orchestrated a campaign to recruit women to accuse him of wrongdoing. These claims were dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects individuals from lawsuits that aim to suppress free speech.

Howard King, Manson’s attorney, stated that after four years of legal battles, the musician is ready to close this chapter of his life. “Brian is pleased to dismiss his still-pending claims and appeal in order to move forward,” King said.

I can’t blame him for not wanting to throw millions into court for that lying witch. #FuckERW

— HayMazing (@Ravensall333) November 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Wood’s representatives have reiterated that her decision to speak out was rooted in seeking justice and supporting other survivors of abuse. “Manson’s attempt to silence and intimidate Ms. Wood failed,” said her legal team.

Marilyn Manson remains under criminal investigation involving multiple allegations of abuse. While no charges have been filed, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has indicated that new evidence could influence a decision in the case.

This settlement brings an end to one of the many legal challenges Manson faces, though the broader implications of the allegations continue to loom over his career and legacy.

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Shivam Kumar

Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....