Marilyn Manson Faces Court Again as New California Law Revives Former Assistant’s Assault Case

Marilyn Manson is back in the headlines as a former assistant’s s**** assault case is reopened under a new California law. The shock rocker, whose real name is Brian Warner, saw a 2021 lawsuit revived on Monday, January 26, after it had previously been dismissed.

The case involves Ashley Walters, who alleges she faced s**** harassment, battery, and wrongful termination while working for Manson in 2010 and 2011. L.A. Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran overturned the prior dismissal from December 2025, citing Assembly Bill 250, which allows certain sexual assault claims to move forward even after prior statute of limitations rules would have blocked them.

We are thrilled for Ms. Walters, said her attorney Bina Ahmad. She has never given up fighting for justice. Ahmad stressed that the new law prevents abusers from hiding behind the old time limits.

Manson’s legal team remains confident the case will fail. Howard King, representing the musician, told Deadline that the claim will not survive the next motion for summary judgment and maintains that Warner never committed any s**** assault.

While the lawsuit draws attention, Manson has been rebuilding his career. Despite controversies that have followed him since 2021, Manson has remained a prominent figure in the rock scene. Yet the reopening of Walters’ case ensures that legal challenges will continue to shadow his public life and professional plans. Judge Cochran has scheduled a Case Management Conference for March 27, which will likely set the timeline for a possible trial.

This case is drawing close attention from survivors and advocacy groups, as it represents one of the first major uses of California’s AB 250. For Manson, the lawsuit revival comes at a critical time as he balances a busy touring schedule with the pressures of a reopened courtroom.

Fans and critics alike are watching how Manson will navigate both the legal process and his music career in 2026. Share your thoughts on the reopened case and Manson’s upcoming tours in the comments.