Marilyn Manson's Australia Tour Announcement Sparks Outrage Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Critics condemn the rocker's planned return to Australia, citing ongoing legal battles and past allegations.
Controversial musician Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, has announced plans for his first Australian tour in 12 years, scheduled for February 2027. The announcement has ignited a significant backlash online, with critics pointing to his ongoing legal troubles in the United States.
Manson is currently facing a civil lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant, Ashley Walters, who alleges sexual assault, physical, and emotional abuse. A judge revived the case earlier this year, allowing Walters to pursue her claims under a new California law that extended the window for certain older sexual assault cases. A Los Angeles judge has set a jury trial date for November 15, 2027, a date that falls after Manson's planned Australian performances.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Manson has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The planned tour has reignited public debate about the artist's presence on Australian stages. Many have voiced their opposition, with Australian journalist and victim advocate Sherele Moody criticizing the venues and ticketing companies involved and arguing that Manson should be banned from touring the country.
Social media reactions have mirrored this sentiment, with many users expressing their disappointment and questioning the decision to allow the artist into Australia. Some commenters called the tour "disgraceful" and "a slap in the face to all women," urging authorities to intervene. Others condemned potential attendees, stating it would be an "instant loss of respect for anyone paying to see him."
Manson has a history of controversy. In February 2021, his former fiancée, actress Evan Rachel Wood, publicly identified him as her alleged abuser, which led to further allegations from other women. Manson denied these claims and sued Wood for defamation, though he later dropped the lawsuit and agreed to pay a portion of her legal fees. The outcome did not validate the allegations.
Wood detailed her experiences in the 2022 HBO documentary "Phoenix Rising," alleging sexual assault during the filming of his 2007 music video "Heart-Shaped Glasses." Manson's legal team denied this specific allegation. Wood has spoken in more recent interviews about what she describes as ongoing intimidation and surveillance since coming forward.
Actress Esmé Bianco also filed a lawsuit against Manson in 2021, alleging sexual assault and other abuses. That case was settled in 2023 without a trial verdict. Marilyn Manson is scheduled to perform in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney in February 2027.