California Judge Revives Marilyn Manson Sex Assault Lawsuit by Ex-Assistant in Blow to Defenses
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has overturned his own dismissal of a long-running sex assault lawsuit filed by an ex-assistant of Marilyn Manson, effectively reviving her claims. The decision comes after the passage of California's AB 250 law, which extends the statute of limitations for adult survivors of alleged sexual assault.
Ashley Walters, the former assistant who first sued Warner in 2021, alleges that she was subjected to a range of physical and emotional abuse by Manson, including forced kissing, biting her ear, and whipping her. She also claims that she witnessed him throw a prop skull at his then-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood.
Manson's lawyers had argued that Walters missed the window for invoking AB 250, which requires alleged victims to file their claims within two years of the assault. However, Judge Steve Cochran ruled Monday that the new law applies in this case, and therefore Walters' lawsuit should be revived.
Walters was initially dismissed from her case by a different judge in May 2022, who found that she had failed to demonstrate how trauma-induced memory suppression delayed her filing. However, an appellate panel later reinstated her lawsuit, allowing her to argue that the delay was due to mental health issues.
Judge Cochran's decision allows Walters to re-file her complaint under AB 250 and sets a new hearing date for March 27. Manson's lawyers have announced plans to appeal, but Judge Cochran has signaled that he will allow Warner to file a new summary judgment motion to challenge the viability of Walters' claims.
The latest development in this case brings renewed attention to the allegations against Manson, who has been accused by multiple women of physical and emotional abuse. In 2021, Rolling Stone conducted an investigation into these allegations, speaking with more than 55 sources about the allegations made by Wood, Esmé Bianco, and others.
Manson had previously reached out-of-court settlements with two of his accusers, including actress Esmé Bianco. However, he has denied all the allegations made against him.
The decision to revive Walters' lawsuit is a significant blow to Manson's defenses, and it remains to be seen how this case will proceed in court.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has overturned his own dismissal of a long-running sex assault lawsuit filed by an ex-assistant of Marilyn Manson, effectively reviving her claims. The decision comes after the passage of California's AB 250 law, which extends the statute of limitations for adult survivors of alleged sexual assault.
Ashley Walters, the former assistant who first sued Warner in 2021, alleges that she was subjected to a range of physical and emotional abuse by Manson, including forced kissing, biting her ear, and whipping her. She also claims that she witnessed him throw a prop skull at his then-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood.
Manson's lawyers had argued that Walters missed the window for invoking AB 250, which requires alleged victims to file their claims within two years of the assault. However, Judge Steve Cochran ruled Monday that the new law applies in this case, and therefore Walters' lawsuit should be revived.
Walters was initially dismissed from her case by a different judge in May 2022, who found that she had failed to demonstrate how trauma-induced memory suppression delayed her filing. However, an appellate panel later reinstated her lawsuit, allowing her to argue that the delay was due to mental health issues.
Judge Cochran's decision allows Walters to re-file her complaint under AB 250 and sets a new hearing date for March 27. Manson's lawyers have announced plans to appeal, but Judge Cochran has signaled that he will allow Warner to file a new summary judgment motion to challenge the viability of Walters' claims.
The latest development in this case brings renewed attention to the allegations against Manson, who has been accused by multiple women of physical and emotional abuse. In 2021, Rolling Stone conducted an investigation into these allegations, speaking with more than 55 sources about the allegations made by Wood, Esmé Bianco, and others.
Manson had previously reached out-of-court settlements with two of his accusers, including actress Esmé Bianco. However, he has denied all the allegations made against him.
The decision to revive Walters' lawsuit is a significant blow to Manson's defenses, and it remains to be seen how this case will proceed in court.
. I'm sending all my positive vibes to her and everyone who's been affected by Marilyn Manson's alleged abuse. It's amazing that California has passed this new law to support survivors, and I hope it makes a difference in bringing justice to those who've been hurt 
. The fact that Judge Cochran is being so understanding about the mental health issues affecting Walters' memory must be really comforting for her 
. Let's keep supporting Ashley and all the others who are speaking out against this kind of abuse 
.
just saw that the ex-assistant of Marilyn Manson got her case revived due to California's new law 
extended statute of limitations for adult survivors of alleged sexual assault... about time we start taking these cases more seriously 
... still, it's sad that it took so long for this woman to get justice 
... and now the tables are turned, literally 
The whole situation with Marilyn Manson is just so messed up 
. And now, with AB 250 extended, it feels like justice is finally starting to catch up with Manson 
. Will he ever admit to what really happened? Only time will tell 
. This whole thing has me feeling so torn 
.
Anyway, it's crazy how these new laws changed everything. Now the ex-assistant gets to tell her side of the story again. I hope she finds some closure or whatever. And honestly, it's kinda messed up that Manson got away with stuff for so long. 
. ashley walters' bravery is giving hope to all the survivors out there who've been silenced for too long 
. now it's time to hold marilyn manson accountable for his actions 
. we need more people like ashley walters speaking out and demanding justice 
.