Même accusé de viols, le chanteur Marilyn Manson est programmé au Heavy Week-End Festival de Nancy

The upcoming Heavy Week-End Festival in Nancy, scheduled for early June 2027, has sparked considerable controversy by including two headline acts with contentious public profiles: Marilyn Manson and Falling in Reverse. Both artists have histories marked by allegations and legal issues that have fueled public debate about their presence on the festival lineup.

Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, faces multiple accusations from over a dozen women alleging sexual assault, abuse, and violence. These allegations gained widespread attention starting in 2016 when actress Evan Rachel Wood, a former partner, hinted at abuse without naming Manson. It was not until 2021 that Wood explicitly identified Warner as her abuser, recounting years of manipulation and mistreatment beginning when she was a teenager.

Following Wood’s revelation, additional women stepped forward with similar claims. Among them, model Sarah McNeilly reported threats involving a baseball bat, and artist Gabriella Accarino accused Manson of repeated sexual violence. Actress Esmé Bianco, known for her role in Game of Thrones, filed legal complaints alleging rape and human trafficking. Despite the gravity of these accusations, a California prosecutor’s office discontinued its criminal investigation in early 2025 citing statutory limitations and insufficient evidence.

Marilyn Manson has consistently denied the allegations, labeling them as distortions. Notably, his record label at the time severed ties, and his manager resigned amid the scandal. Nevertheless, Manson resumed his career activities, signing with a new label in 2024 and embarking on tours, including a recent appearance at the Festival de Nîmes in July 2026.

The festival’s inclusion of Manson alongside Falling in Reverse has intensified scrutiny. Ronnie Radke, Falling in Reverse’s frontman, carries his own controversial history. His legal record includes a probation sentence following a fatal brawl in 2006, various arrests related to public disorder, and allegations of domestic violence. Beyond legal issues, Radke has attracted criticism for openly expressing transphobic and homophobic views, and for endorsing far-right causes.

In 2024, Radke initiated fundraising for Gays Against Groomers, an extremist organization known for anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. He has also publicly supported Israeli military actions in Gaza, simultaneously condemning pro-Palestinian activists. These positions contribute to the contentious atmosphere surrounding the festival.

The artistic collaboration between Manson and Radke in 2025, exemplified by their joint single "God Is a Weapon," further intertwines their controversial legacies and complicates the festival’s reputation. Organizers have yet to publicly comment on the backlash or the rationale behind these booking decisions.

The Heavy Week-End Festival, recognized for its heavy metal focus, finds itself at a crossroads where the artists’ personal controversies clash with the expectations of the metal community and the broader public. While heavy metal music often embraces aggressive themes, many argue that the personal conduct of performers should remain beyond reproach.

As the festival date approaches, the tension between artistic freedom, public accountability, and audience expectations remains unresolved. Whether these contentious appearances will affect attendance or provoke further debates about the boundaries of festival programming is yet to be seen. For now, the presence of Marilyn Manson and Falling in Reverse stands as a provocative choice in the festival’s history.