Marilyn Manson's Ex-Assistant Revives Sex Abuse Lawsuit Again as New California Law Extends Timeframe for Filing Allegations.
A former assistant of Marilyn Manson, Ashley Walters, has revived her civil lawsuit against the rocker, alleging that he subjected her to "sexual exploitation, manipulation and psychological abuse" between 2010 and 2011. The lawsuit had been previously dismissed twice but was recently reopened due to a new California law, Assembly Bill 250.
The law, which went into effect on January 1, creates a two-year window for alleged victims of sexual abuse to file otherwise time-barred lawsuits against their perpetrators. This means that Walters can now bypass the two-year statute of limitations for her claims, which were previously deemed untimely by Judge Steve Cochran.
Walters' attorney, Kate McFarlane, stated that they are "thrilled" with the judge's decision and that it is a major victory for women who have been subjected to abuse. McFarlane added that Manson has tried to avoid accountability for his abuse against Walters but that time is no longer an obstacle.
However, Manson's lawyer, Howard King, said that he will continue to fight against the revival of Walters' claims, arguing that she does not have pending claims for sexual assault as defined in the penal code. The case is set to proceed with a follow-up court appearance scheduled for March.
Marilyn Manson has been facing numerous allegations of sexual abuse from several women, including Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco and model Ashley Morgan Smithline. He has denied all of the allegations but has settled some cases, such as his lawsuit against Bianco in 2023.
Walters' case had a more complicated path than others, with her original claims dismissed by Judge Cochran as untimely in 2022. However, a California appeals court revived the lawsuit in 2023, and it was sent back down to Judge Cochran for further litigation. The judge ultimately ruled that the delayed discovery rule was inapplicable, but this ruling is now moot due to AB 250.
As Manson's team continues to challenge this determination, Walters will have another opportunity to seek justice for her claims of abuse at the hands of the rocker.
A former assistant of Marilyn Manson, Ashley Walters, has revived her civil lawsuit against the rocker, alleging that he subjected her to "sexual exploitation, manipulation and psychological abuse" between 2010 and 2011. The lawsuit had been previously dismissed twice but was recently reopened due to a new California law, Assembly Bill 250.
The law, which went into effect on January 1, creates a two-year window for alleged victims of sexual abuse to file otherwise time-barred lawsuits against their perpetrators. This means that Walters can now bypass the two-year statute of limitations for her claims, which were previously deemed untimely by Judge Steve Cochran.
Walters' attorney, Kate McFarlane, stated that they are "thrilled" with the judge's decision and that it is a major victory for women who have been subjected to abuse. McFarlane added that Manson has tried to avoid accountability for his abuse against Walters but that time is no longer an obstacle.
However, Manson's lawyer, Howard King, said that he will continue to fight against the revival of Walters' claims, arguing that she does not have pending claims for sexual assault as defined in the penal code. The case is set to proceed with a follow-up court appearance scheduled for March.
Marilyn Manson has been facing numerous allegations of sexual abuse from several women, including Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco and model Ashley Morgan Smithline. He has denied all of the allegations but has settled some cases, such as his lawsuit against Bianco in 2023.
Walters' case had a more complicated path than others, with her original claims dismissed by Judge Cochran as untimely in 2022. However, a California appeals court revived the lawsuit in 2023, and it was sent back down to Judge Cochran for further litigation. The judge ultimately ruled that the delayed discovery rule was inapplicable, but this ruling is now moot due to AB 250.
As Manson's team continues to challenge this determination, Walters will have another opportunity to seek justice for her claims of abuse at the hands of the rocker.