Marilyn Manson’s Sexual Assault Case Reopened After New California Law Gives Former Assistant Another Chance

Marilyn Manson is facing a renewed legal storm as a year of relative courtroom quiet comes to a sudden end. The shock rocker received a major jolt of justice on Monday, January 26, when a previously dismissed lawsuit from a former assistant was revived for trial.

The decision allows Ashley Walters to refile her claims against the singer, whose real name is Brian Warner. L.A. Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran vacated a previous dismissal from December 2025, noting that a newly enacted California law effectively sets aside the previous statute of limitations.

Today’s revival of the case, which was first filed in 2021, is thanks to Assembly Bill 250. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the law extends the eligibility period for reviving sexual assault claims that would have otherwise been barred before the start of 2026.

As he has with previous accusations from ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood and actress Esmé Bianco, Warner has denied all of Walters’ claims. These include allegations of s**** harassment, battery, and wrongful termination during her stint working for him in 2010 and 2011.

Attorney Bina Ahmad, representing Walters, expressed that they are thrilled for Ms. Walters and noted that she has never given up fighting for justice. Ahmad emphasized that abusers can no longer hide behind the statute of limitations thanks to the new legislation.

Manson’s legal team, led by Howard King, remains skeptical of the case’s longevity. King told Deadline that the claim will not survive the next motion for summary judgment and argued that Warner never committed any s***** assault.

While the legal battles intensify, Manson’s professional life has seen a surprising resurgence. After being dropped by his label and agency in 2021, the 57-year-old performer has spent the last year rebuilding his career with a series of high-profile announcements.

Despite the protests and industry pushback that marked his early 2020s, Manson appears to be maintaining his placement among the rock crowd. However, the revival of the Walters case ensures that his past will continue to shadow his creative future.

Judge Cochran has scheduled a Case Management Conference for March 27. This meeting will likely determine the timeline for a potential trial, which could coincide with Manson’s busy summer touring schedule.

Survivors and advocates are watching the case closely, as it represents one of the first major tests for California’s AB 250. For now, the “Antichrist Superstar” must balance the demands of a global comeback with the reality of a reopened courtroom.

Share your thoughts on the revival of these legal claims and Manson’s 2026 tour return in the comments.