Marilyn Manson's former assistant's lawsuit revived for jury trial

Los Angeles County Judge has set a trial date for the lawsuit against Brian Warner, known as Marilyn Manson, brought by his former personal assistant, Ashley Walters. 

The trial is scheduled for June 2, 2025, after mediation attempts proved unsuccessful. The legal proceedings are expected to involve depositions of Warner and present facts to a jury.

• Walters' lawyer James Vagnini told Rolling Stone:

We are happy that the delays are behind us and that we will have an opportunity to depose Mr. Warner and present all the facts to a jury next year. We are confident they will acknowledge the harm done to Ms. Walters and deliver a resounding message to all survivors of such terrible abuse.

The lawsuit, initially filed in 2021, outlines incidents of abuse that Walters claims occurred during her tenure as Manson's assistant in 2010-2011. Allegations include physical assaults, such as biting her ear and forcing her hand into his underwear, along with other abusive behaviors like whipping and throwing objects at her.

Although Warner had successfully dismissed the case in 2022 citing the expiration of the statutes of limitations, a December ruling by California's Second Appellate District reinstated the lawsuit based on the delayed discovery rule invoked by Walters.

This trial adds to Warner's legal challenges, as he previously settled with accusers, including a Jane Doe and Game of Thrones star Esmé Bianco, who both made abuse allegations against him. Former accuser Ashley Morgan Smithline chose to end her lawsuit and retract her claims against Warner. Warner, 55, has denied similar allegations brought forth by multiple women.