Katherine Ryan Calls Billy Corgan an 'A**hole' Over Age Gap Comments

Comedian Katherine Ryan has launched a strong attack on Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, labeling him an "a**hole" for his comments on his much younger wife and his defense of Marilyn Manson.

Ryan, 43, accused the rocker, 59, of seeking a younger woman unburdened by the emotional "damage" of women his own age. Corgan had recently stated that his 26-year age gap with his wife, Chloé Mendel, 33, had been an "advantage" to their relationship.

Corgan explained in a recent New York Times Popcast interview that he had encountered "a lot of broken women" before meeting Mendel. He suggested that women of his generation had endured abuse and hardship without adequate support, which made relationships challenging when both partners carried emotional wounds. Corgan emphasized that he did not fault these women but stated that Mendel's youth had been an advantage as she "hadn't been wounded like so many people are."

Ryan responded critically on her podcast "Telling Everybody Everything," questioning Corgan's implication about damaged women from his generation and suggesting his wife was intended to be an "untainted accessory" whose first experience of being "broken" came from him. She expressed bewilderment at his decision to make such remarks public.

Ryan also addressed Corgan's ongoing friendship with Marilyn Manson, who has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and abuse. Corgan defended Manson in the same interview, stating he had known him for nearly 30 years and did not personally believe he was guilty. Corgan, identifying as Christian, said he believed in standing by friends, though he could still criticize them.

Ryan countered this by questioning Corgan's perspective, stating, "Yeah, because Marilyn Manson is likely not going to be assaulting you." She further elaborated on how personal experiences taught her that men can behave differently towards romantic partners than they do towards friends. Ryan recounted ending a friendship with an unnamed famous man after becoming uncomfortable with his interactions with his partners, noting that while she wasn't aware of illegal activity, his behavior indicated he was "the bad guy."

Billy Corgan married fashion designer Chloé Mendel in 2023. The couple met in 2012 when Corgan was 44 and Mendel was 19. They have three children together.

Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, has denied the allegations against him. In January 2025, Los Angeles prosecutors announced that no criminal charges would be filed following a four-year investigation, citing that domestic violence allegations were outside the statute of limitations and sexual assault charges could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ryan also touched upon Corgan's reputation for being difficult, referencing past criticisms from former bandmates and other musicians. She concluded by stating, "You're an ahole... Even if you were super wildly successful today, you would not get away with being mean. Nobody likes mean anymore. Be f*ing professional."