A California judge has denied the latest attempt by Marilyn Manson (Brian Warner) to have a civil sexual assault lawsuit filed by former personal assistant Ashley Walters dismissed, allowing the case to move forward as both sides continue gathering evidence.
The lawsuit has taken several twists since it was originally filed in 2021. Walters accused Manson of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of multiple California civil codes stemming from alleged incidents in 2010 and 2011.
The case was initially dismissed in May 2022 after a judge raised concerns regarding the statute of limitations and the amount of factual detail included in the complaint. However, an amended version of the lawsuit was revived in December 2023 under California’s delayed discovery rule.
Another setback followed in December 2025, when the lawsuit was again dismissed amid questions over whether allegations involving repressed memories qualified for the delayed discovery exception. Despite that ruling, a newly enacted California law, AB 250, opened a temporary revival window for adult survivors of alleged sexual abuse whose cases had previously been barred by statute of limitations restrictions. Walters subsequently refiled her complaint in January.
According to reports, Manson’s legal team recently sought to have the latest version of the lawsuit dismissed or amended. Attorney Alexa Foley argued that Walters failed to meet the legal threshold required under AB 250, specifically contending that she could not demonstrate physical restraint during the alleged assault.
The judge declined to rule in Manson’s favor at this stage, determining that it was too early in the proceedings to make such findings and that additional evidence should be developed through the discovery process.
Manson attorney Howard King commented on the decision:
“This was not unexpected. It’s a clear invitation for a summary judgment motion. The judge telegraphed explicitly that we’re not at the right stage of the case yet.”
Meanwhile, Walters’ attorney Bina Ahmad welcomed the ruling:
“We are obviously pleased. We truly take the inspiration to keep fighting from our client. She’s the brave one.”
A case management conference is currently scheduled for August.
The lawsuit is one of several legal actions filed against Manson following allegations made public by former fiancée Evan Rachel Wood in 2021. Since then, Manson has settled claims brought by Esmé Bianco and another unnamed accuser. A separate lawsuit filed by Ashley Morgan Smithline was later withdrawn, while another civil suit filed by Bianca Allaine Kyne remains among the allegations brought against him.
Manson has consistently denied the allegations made against him. He also previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Wood and her associate Ilma Gore, alleging they coordinated false accusations against him. Following a series of legal setbacks, that lawsuit was ultimately dropped.
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
[Via ThePRP]
1 Comment
Read more:
https://springgreen-caribou-353428.hostingersite.com/marilyn-manson-sexual-assault-lawsuit-dismissal-denied/