Marilyn Manson Sexual Assault Lawsuit Dismissed Due to Statute of Limitations
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A lawsuit alleging sexual assault and abuse against musician Marilyn Manson brought by his former personal assistant, Ashley Walters, has been dismissed by a Los Angeles County court. The dismissal, decided ahead of trial on Tuesday, December 16, centers on the claim that Walters’ allegations fell outside the legal timeframe for filing such a suit.
The case marks the latest legal development involving the controversial singer, who has faced numerous accusations of misconduct in recent years. The judge’s decision underscores the critical importance of adhering to statute of limitations laws in civil cases, even those involving sensitive allegations.
Claims Filed Too Late, Judge Rules
Los Angeles County Judge Steve Cochran explained the reasoning behind the dismissal during Tuesday’s hearing. “We have a situation where the complaint was not filed until about 10 years after the operative events,” he stated. “I’m not able to find that the delayed discovery rule is applicable,” adding, “I don’t have the authority to rule that the delayed discovery doctrine would apply under the circumstances that exist in this case.”
The “delayed discovery rule” allows plaintiffs to file lawsuits outside the typical statute of limitations if they can demonstrate they were unaware of the harm or its cause until a later date. In this instance, the judge found that Walters had not sufficiently demonstrated grounds for this exception.
History of the Lawsuit and Previous Dismissal
Walters initially filed her suit against Manson in 2021, alleging sexual harassment, as well as verbal, physical, and psychological abuse during her employment as his assistant between 2010 and 2011. That initial filing was dismissed the following year, also due to statute of limitations concerns, but was subsequently revived on appeal.
Kate McFarlane, Walters’ attorney, reportedly intends to appeal this latest dismissal, continuing the legal battle.
Broader Legal Context for Manson
This dismissal arrives after a series of other legal proceedings involving Manson. Last year, the singer dropped a defamation lawsuit he had filed against actresses Evan Rachel Wood and Illma Gore in 2022.
Furthermore, a yearslong investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department into allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault against Manson concluded in January with the announcement that he would not face criminal charges.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, support is available:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: http://www.rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741.
The dismissal of Walters’ lawsuit highlights the complexities of navigating legal challenges in cases involving alleged past misconduct, particularly when time has passed since the events occurred. The case serves as a reminder of the strict legal boundaries surrounding civil claims and the challenges faced by plaintiffs seeking redress for alleged harm.
