The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has opened up about his longstanding friendship with Marilyn Manson, explaining why he has continued to support the shock rocker despite the sexual assault and abuse allegations that have followed him in recent years.
Speaking on an episode of ‘Popcast’, Corgan discussed his relationship with Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, and the personal considerations behind his decision to remain in the musician’s corner. The two have known each other for nearly three decades, according to Corgan, who said his own understanding of the situation informed his stance.
Manson faced widespread professional fallout in 2021 after his former fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, publicly identified him as her abuser. More than a dozen women subsequently made allegations against him, which he has denied. Several civil cases followed, with some resolved or withdrawn while other litigation remains ongoing.
Although the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office investigated allegations against Manson, prosecutors announced in January 2025 that they would not pursue criminal charges. The office cited statute-of-limitations issues concerning some domestic violence allegations and insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt. That decision did not constitute a judicial determination of the allegations.
Corgan addressed that outcome while explaining his perspective on friendship and personal responsibility.
“You have to stand by your friends. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have an opinion, and that doesn’t mean you’re not critical.”
He acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations while saying his own experiences and knowledge of circumstances outside the public record influenced his view.
“I personally didn’t feel that he was guilty of the things he was being charged with, and ultimately, the fact that the DA didn’t pursue it.”
Corgan also pushed back against the idea that public opinion should dictate whom he associates with, pointing to the length of his friendship with Manson and their connections beyond music. He noted that Manson’s wife, Lindsay, is the twin sister of Ashley, who is married to Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha.
Corgan said those family ties, along with his familiarity with Manson’s parents, have made their relationship deeper than a casual friendship.
He also stressed that his support should not be mistaken for a belief that anyone is above accountability.
“If he’s guilty, or anybody in that situation is guilty, they should go to jail.”
The conversation also turned to Corgan’s Christian faith and his views on forgiveness. Drawing on his own family history, he described how difficult it can be to reconcile love for someone with the harm they may have caused.
Corgan recalled that his father had served jail time on three separate occasions and had stolen from him. Despite that history, he said forgiveness remained an important, if challenging, part of his family’s relationship.
“I’m not saying I have any moral supremacy here. I’m saying it’s a case-by-case basis.”
He added that making such decisions requires reflection rather than simply following public pressure, emphasizing prayer and meditation as part of his approach.
Meanwhile, Manson continues to face civil litigation. A lawsuit brought against him by former personal assistant Ashley Walters, concerning alleged sexual assault and other conduct she says occurred in 2010 and 2011, is currently scheduled for a tentative jury trial date of November 15, 2027.
Manson has denied the allegations made against him. His separate defamation lawsuit against Wood and an associate, in which he alleged that they had worked to damage his reputation and encourage allegations against him, was ultimately dropped after a series of legal setbacks.
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