Manson Case Closed: No Charges
Evan Rachel Wood, actress and vocal advocate for abuse survivors, has spoken out following the Los Angeles District Attorney’s decision not to file charges against her ex-fiancé, musician Marilyn Manson. The case, which had been under investigation for four years, was closed due to legal obstacles that prevented prosecution.
Legal Constraints Close the Case
The District Attorney’s office explained that the decision not to pursue charges stemmed from two key issues: the expiration of the statute of limitations for domestic violence and a lack of sufficient evidence for sexual assault. District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized that these limitations were significant barriers despite the bravery of those who shared their experiences.
Wood Addresses Barriers to Justice
On Instagram, Wood, 37, expressed frustration at how the system fails survivors. She highlighted that, while investigators found compelling evidence, legal time limits made it impossible to prosecute many crimes.
"Evidence of violent crimes should never have an expiration date. I am proud of all survivors who risked everything to tell the truth," she wrote.
Wood’s advocacy for justice reform is well-documented. In 2019, she championed the Phoenix Act, which successfully extended the statute of limitations for domestic violence cases in California. However, the act does not apply retroactively, leaving older cases like hers unresolved.
A Troubled Relationship Comes to Light
Wood and Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, were in a relationship from 2007 to 2010. In 2021, Wood publicly accused Manson of grooming, manipulation, and severe abuse. Manson has denied all allegations, at one point filing a defamation lawsuit against Wood, which he later dropped in 2024.
A Call for Systemic Change
Wood’s public statement underscores a broader issue: the need for stronger legal protections for survivors and a reevaluation of statutes that limit justice. Her advocacy continues to shine a light on the challenges survivors face and the reforms needed to ensure their voices lead to accountability.
This case, though legally concluded, raises lasting questions about the legal system’s ability to support survivors. For Wood, the fight is far from over, as she remains committed to empowering others and pushing for change.
