Marilyn Manson’s Ex-Assistant Gets Trial Date for Sexual Assault And Battery Claims

A Los Angeles County judge has scheduled a jury trial for November 15, 2027, in the sexual assault and battery lawsuit filed by Marilyn Manson’s former assistant, Ashley Walters. The case, which alleges abuse dating back to 2010, has undergone multiple dismissals and revivals since its initial filing in 2021. Judge Steve Cochran set the date after Walters’ legal team requested a timeline for the proceeding, noting that the date is relatively prompt given the county's current backlog of trials.

The lawsuit accuses Marilyn Manson, legally known as Brian Warner, of assaulting Walters in his West Hollywood home studio in May 2010. She contends that Manson pushed her onto a bed, restrained her arms, attempted to kiss her, bit her ear, and forced her hand into his underwear. Walters claims she later took a position as his assistant, a role that exposed her to further alleged physical and emotional abuse during episodes described as drug-fueled rages.

According to Walters’ allegations, the abuse extended beyond the initial assault to include being whipped, having plates thrown at her, being forced to stand on a chair for extended periods, and being thrown into a wall. The suit also references Walters’ efforts to aid Warner's distressed partners by secretly providing food and drink while they reportedly hid in his home. She additionally alleges witnessing Warner throw a prop skull at his former fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, with significant force.

The legal proceedings have been complex and protracted. The case was dismissed in May 2022 as untimely, but an appellate court revived it based on Walters’ argument that trauma-induced memory suppression delayed her reporting. In December 2025, Judge Cochran again dismissed the case, but reversed the decision shortly thereafter after Walters invoked California’s AB 250 law. This legislation reopened certain time-barred sexual assault claims, creating a two-year window for filing.

Manson’s legal team has challenged the applicability of AB 250, arguing that Walters did not demonstrate physical restraint during the alleged sexual touching, a criterion they view as essential for the claim’s revival. Judge Cochran rejected this argument at the pleading stage, deeming the facts too disputed to resolve without further examination, and allowed the lawsuit to proceed to trial.

Warner has categorically denied the allegations. His legal representation expressed confidence that their forthcoming motion for summary judgment would prevent the case from reaching trial. The musician previously settled with two other accusers out of court, including actress Esmé Bianco, and has dropped defamation and harassment claims against Evan Rachel Wood, who had also accused him of abuse.

Walters was among several women who publicly accused Manson of various forms of abuse in early 2021. The revelations, which surfaced alongside similar accounts from other women, prompted a detailed investigation by Rolling Stone that included testimony from over 55 sources. These allegations have had a significant impact on Manson’s public image and career.

The scheduled trial marks a critical juncture in a legal saga that highlights the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors, particularly when claims emerge years after the alleged incidents. It also underscores the evolving legal landscape in California regarding statute limitations for these cases. The outcome of this trial could influence how similar claims are treated in the future.

From an industry perspective, ongoing legal controversies of this nature can complicate an artist’s ability to engage with fans, tour, or release new material, given the reputational damage involved. While such proceedings unfold, an artist's catalogue typically remains static, with potential impacts on streaming and sales influenced by public perception and media coverage. The resolution of these allegations could affect both Warner’s professional trajectory and the broader discourse around accountability in the music business.