American singer Marilyn Manson has withdrawn the defamation lawsuit he filed against actress Evan Rachel Wood two years ago after accusing him of sexually abusing her, local media report.
Evan Rachel Wood accuses Marilyn Manson of raping her in a video clip
Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, and Evan Rachel Wood reached a settlement on Nov. 19, according to court documents obtained by People magazine.
According to the agreement, the musician, 55, will pay approximately $327,000 (around €310,000) to Wood, 37, in legal costs and court proceedings.
“After four years of fighting a battle in which he was able to tell the truth, Brian (Manson) is pleased to dismiss his pending lawsuits and his appeals to close the door on this chapter of his life,” said l Manson’s lawyer to People, Howard. King.
For his part, a representative for Wood explained to the outlet that Manson filed the lawsuit “as a publicity stunt to try to undermine the credibility of his many accusers and revive his music career.” “But their attempts to silence and intimidate Ms. Wood have failed,” the actress’ representative stressed. Marilyn Manson has released his new album (Murder under God – Chapter 1) just five days ago, November 22nd.
Manson sued Wood in March 2022, a year after she publicly accused Brian Warner of sexually abusing her during their on-and-off relationship, which began when the actress, from North Carolina, was 18.
The abuse occurred, according to the actress, during the recording of the video clip Heart-shaped glasses and were exposed in a documentary entitled The Rise of the Phoenix premiered at the Sundance independent film festival.
The film chronicles the tortuous relationship between the protagonist of Westworld and the singer between 2006 and 2011, when, in his words, “he managed to undertake the definitive escape”.
“We’re talking about a simulated sex scene (in heart-shaped glasses), but once the cameras started rolling, he started to really penetrate me. I had never accepted this. It was total chaos. I didn’t feel safe. Nobody took care of me. It was a truly traumatizing experience,” Wood explains in the documentary directed by Amy Berg.
The Los Angeles police then opened an investigation against Manson after Wood’s complaints, which were joined by other people who work in the film industry.
‘The Devil’s Bathroom’, a terrifying history lesson that proves “there is no such thing as safe art”
For his part, Manson has denied the allegations in his defamation lawsuit, calling them “horrible distortions of reality.”
Rachel #Wood #accused #sexual #abuse
– What are the implications of Marilyn Manson and Evan Rachel Wood’s settlement on future defamation cases involving celebrities?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Marilyn Manson and Evan Rachel Wood Settlement
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment, where we dive deep into current events affecting the entertainment industry and legal landscape. Today, we have with us Dr. Emily Carter, a legal expert specializing in defamation and celebrity cases. Emily, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Carter (EC): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s talk about the recent news surrounding Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, and Evan Rachel Wood. He recently withdrew a defamation lawsuit he filed against her. Why do you think he decided to settle now after two years of litigation?
EC: Settlements in defamation cases can often be strategic. In this instance, there may have been multiple factors at play—financial considerations, public perception, plus the toll that prolonged litigation can take emotionally and psychologically on individuals involved. Manson’s statement indicates a desire to close this chapter, suggesting that it might have become too burdensome to continue.
TNE: Speaking of burden, Wood’s representatives accused Manson of using the lawsuit as a ”publicity stunt” to undermine her claims. How does this angle affect both parties in the court of public opinion and potentially in future legal matters?
EC: It definitely complicates the narrative. When one party alleges that lawsuits are being weaponized for publicity, it casts a shadow over the motivations behind the actions of the other party. For Manson, this could lead to further scrutiny of his actions and intentions, which may affect how potential future legal matters are perceived. Conversely, for Wood, maintaining her stance as a victim could bolster her credibility among supporters and the general public.
TNE: Manson has reportedly agreed to pay Wood approximately $327,000 in legal costs. What does this settlement imply about the nature of legal battles in cases involving celebrities?
EC: Celebrity cases often involve significant financial resources, which can make them unique compared to typical defamation cases. This settlement not only covers legal fees but might also be seen as an attempt to mitigate reputational harm. It reflects that sometimes, regardless of the pressure or scrutiny, financial settlements can be more beneficial compared to protracted legal battles, which can tarnish reputations further.
TNE: The timing of Manson’s new album, released just five days ago, is striking. Could this connection impact public perception of his career going forward?
EC: Absolutely. Releasing new music amidst such controversies can be interpreted in different ways. Some may view it as a defiant stand, while others might see it as an attempt to distract from ongoing issues. His recent legal issues could continue to overshadow his musical endeavors, impacting sales and public engagements if audiences feel conflicted about supporting an artist with such serious allegations against him.
TNE: It seems the road ahead is complicated for both Manson and Wood. What should we look out for in the coming months regarding how this situation may evolve?
EC: We should keep an eye on how both parties manage their public personas moving forward. Wood’s advocacy for survivors might intensify, while Manson’s musical career could be met with mixed responses. Additionally, any other legal actions or accusations that may arise could also change the landscape significantly, especially as public conversations around accountability and support for survivors of abuse continue to evolve.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights into this complex situation. It is indeed a vivid reminder of the intricacies involved when celebrity and legal matters intersect.
EC: My pleasure! I look forward to seeing how this unfolds. Thank you for having me!
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll keep you updated on this and other stories as they develop. Stay informed!