Ashley Walters Moves To Revive Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Marilyn Manson Under New California Law

Ashley Walters, the former personal assistant to shock rocker Marilyn Manson (Brian Warner), is once again attempting to revive her sexual assault lawsuit against the musician, this time citing a newly enacted California law that opens a temporary legal window for previously time-barred claims.

Walters initially filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of multiple California civil codes. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred during her employment with Manson between August 2010 and July 2011.

The case was first dismissed in May 2022 due to statute of limitations concerns, though that ruling was successfully appealed in December 2023. However, on December 16, 2025, the lawsuit was dismissed for a second time. Judge Steve Cochran again cited statute of limitations issues, as well as concerns surrounding claims tied to delayed reporting and suppressed memories.

Speaking on the dismissal last month, Cochran stated:

“We have a situation where the complaint was not filed until about 10 years after the operative events. I’m not able to find that the delayed discovery rule is applicable. I don’t have the authority to rule that the delayed discovery doctrine would apply under the circumstances that exist in this case.”

According to Rolling Stone, Walters is now seeking to revive the lawsuit under California Assembly Bill 250. The law, which went into effect on January 1, 2026, establishes a revival window running through December 31, 2027. During that period, adult survivors of sexual assault are permitted to bring forward civil lawsuits that were previously dismissed or barred due to statute of limitations restrictions. A hearing on the matter has now been scheduled.

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Manson’s attorney, Howard King, responded to the latest filing with the following statement to Rolling Stone:

“Ashley Walters’ meritless claim has now been dismissed twice. We are confident that her motion to reconsider the most recent dismissal based on a new and inapplicable statute will fail.”

Walters’ legal team at Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai strongly disputed that position, issuing their own response:

“This law did not become effective until Jan. 1, 2026, and could not have been raised prior to its effective date. This is a ridiculous argument, and just another tactic by Mr. Warner to skirt accountability. Ms. Walters has waited far too long to hold her abuser accountable, and outdated statute of limitations arguments will no longer protect him. We are grateful that the judge granted our request today to set a hearing on this issue. We are optimistic that her case will go forward and she will get the justice she rightfully deserves.”

The upcoming hearing will determine whether Walters’ claims can proceed under the new statutory framework.