Full Breakdown
Marilyn Manson's Sexual Assault Lawsuit Revived Under New California Law
1/27/2026, 7:52:39 PM
Legal Reinstatement of Ashley Walters' Claims
A sexual assault lawsuit against Marilyn Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, has been revived following a ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran. The judge overturned his previous dismissal of the case, citing the newly enacted California Assembly Bill 250, which allows adult survivors of sexual assault to file claims that were previously barred by the statute of limitations. The decision was made during a hearing on January 26, 2026, where Judge Cochran stated, “The statute revives the claim. You're [heading toward trial] all over again.” A follow-up hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Ashley Walters, a former assistant to Manson, initially filed her lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Manson sexually assaulted her during a visit to his home in 2010. She claimed that he pushed her onto a bed and attempted to force her into unwanted contact. After this incident, Walters alleged that she experienced ongoing abuse while working as Manson's assistant, including psychological and physical mistreatment.
Background on Assembly Bill 250
Assembly Bill 250, signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025, creates a two-year window for adult survivors of sexual assault to file civil lawsuits that were previously time-barred. This law aims to provide a pathway for survivors to seek justice and hold alleged abusers accountable, even after the expiration of traditional legal deadlines.
Official Statements & Responses
Manson's attorney, Howard King, has consistently denied the allegations against him. Following the judge's ruling, King stated that Walters' claim is narrow and will not survive future legal challenges. He emphasized that the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office declined to file criminal charges against Manson after a four-year investigation, indicating a lack of sufficient evidence for prosecution.
In contrast, Walters' attorney, Bina Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “We are thrilled for Ms. Walters. She has never given up fighting for justice.” Ahmad highlighted the importance of AB 250 in allowing survivors to pursue claims that would otherwise remain unaddressed due to expired legal deadlines.
Criticism & Opposition
While Manson's legal team plans to appeal the decision, they argue that the new law does not apply to Walters' case. Critics of Manson have pointed to a broader pattern of allegations against him, including accusations from other women such as actress Esmé Bianco and former fiancée Evan Rachel Wood, all of whom he has denied abusing.
What's Next
The revived lawsuit against Manson is expected to proceed under the narrower scope permitted by Assembly Bill 250. The upcoming court hearing in March 2026 will further examine Walters' claims, potentially setting a significant precedent for similar cases under the new law. As the legal battle continues, the implications of this case may resonate beyond the courtroom, influencing discussions around accountability for sexual assault in the entertainment industry.
