Marilyn Manson Concerts Canceled in England Following Abuse Allegations and Public Pressure
A growing wave of opposition led to the cancellation of Marilyn Manson’s planned performances in Brighton and Bournemouth, England, highlighting the increasing scrutiny faced by artists accused of misconduct. Ticketmaster has confirmed refunds for the canceled shows.
The first leg of the controversial singer’s “One Assassination Under God Tour” was slated to begin at the Brighton Centre on October 29th. However, a concerted campaign by activists and political figures prompted venue officials to reverse course. The decision follows years of allegations of abuse against the artist, whose legal name is Brian Warner.
In 2021, a detailed Rolling Stone exposé brought forth accusations from over a dozen women, including prominent figures such as Evan Rachel Wood, actress Esmé Bianco, model Ashley Morgan, and Warner’s former personal assistant, Ashley Walters. Warner has consistently denied all allegations. While a four-year investigation by Los Angeles prosecutors concluded in January, the case was dropped due to statutes of limitations on domestic abuse claims and insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The pressure to cancel Manson’s appearances originated with No Stage for Abusers, an online campaign dedicated to preventing alleged abusers from being provided a platform for performance. According to a description on Facebook, the group specifically targeted the Brighton Centre and the Brighton and Hove city council, which owns the venue, demanding they revoke their approval for the concert.
Adding to the pressure, Green Party MP Siân Berry penned an open letter earlier this month to Bella Sankey, the leader of Brighton and Hove city council. Berry argued that the booking posed a significant risk to survivors of abuse in the community. “Many survivors in Brighton and Hove, and organisations supporting them, will have serious concerns about this booking and its wider impact on other people visiting the city centre, local residents and the wider community,” Berry wrote. The letter garnered support from members of the Green Group of Councillors in Brighton and Hove, Survivors Network, the University of Sussex Students’ Union, and other organizations. Berry further emphasized the council’s “responsibility to take action where there are risks of discrimination, harassment and victimisation.”
The fallout extended beyond Brighton. Following Berry’s letter, Millie Earl, leader of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, urged BH Live, the operator of the Bournemouth International Centre, to cancel the October 31st show. While the council does not directly control BH Live’s booking decisions, Earl stated, “I don’t feel Marilyn Manson reflects the values we have in BCP and we’ve been doing a lot of work around things like the White Ribbon accreditation scheme which helps men and boys change negative, damaging behaviours.” She added that she had formally requested BH Live reconsider hosting the performance, as reported by the BBC.
These cancellations represent a growing trend of venues and municipalities responding to public pressure and reassessing their willingness to host artists facing serious allegations. The situation underscores the evolving dynamic between artistic freedom, accountability, and the safety and well-being of communities.
