Last week, Marilyn Manson, also known as Brian Warner, evaded sexual abuse and domestic violence charges due to the statute of limitations and the decision of the new Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, to not prosecute Warner. This decision follows a four-year investigation into the allegations of harassment, abuse, and sexual assault brought forth by actor Evan Rachel Wood, Warner’s former fiancé, who faced a defamation suit for publicly accusing Warner. Despite the disappointing outcome for Warner’s accusers, Wood expressed pride in a private Instagram post, commending the survivors who spoke out against Warner and highlighting the flaws in a legal system that places an expiration date on violent crimes.
Wood’s post revealed her endless pride in the survivors who bravely came forward despite the challenges posed by the statute of limitations. She emphasized the importance of advocating for better laws to ensure that evidence of violent crimes does not have an expiration date. The Phoenix Act, created to extend the statute of limitations, unfortunately only applies to crimes committed after its passing, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and reform in the legal system.
Esmé Bianco, another accuser of Warner, also shared her disappointment in an Instagram post, acknowledging the uphill battle survivors face in seeking accountability within a culture that often misunderstands coercive control and the complexities of sexual assault in intimate relationships. Despite the legal hurdles, Bianco affirmed her truth and encouraged fellow survivors to hold onto their own truths as sources of strength and resilience.
The news of Warner evading trial has once again sparked conversations about justice, accountability, and the challenges survivors of abuse and assault encounter in seeking legal recourse. The courage and resilience displayed by survivors like Evan Rachel Wood and Esmé Bianco serve as powerful reminders of the importance of speaking out, advocating for change, and supporting one another in the pursuit of justice and healing.