Metal Anarchy

According to Rolling Stone, Marilyn Manson’s ex-assistant Ashley Walters has been granted a trial date after reviving her sexual assault lawsuit against the frontman. That case was previously dismissed and Manson tried to have it thrown out again, but ultimately failed. As such, it will now be heading to court on November 15, 2027.

Despite the ruling, Manson‘s lawyer Howard King downplayed the chances of a trial:

“We’re confident the case will never get to trial after the court hears our upcoming motion for summary judgment.”

Walters initially filed the suit after accusing the shock rocker of sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more. However, a judge ruled that the case was not exempt from the statute of limitations and Walters’ claims of suppressed memories were not enough to revive it.

Despite this, Walters was able to use statue AB 250 to move the case forward. That law allows adult survivors of sexual assault to revive civil suits that were halted by the statute of limitations between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027.

Manson‘s lawyer Alexa Foley claimed Walters could not use AB 250, because she doesn’t “meet the standard of showing she was physically restrained during her alleged sexual assault.” However, a judge ruled that it was too early to make a decision. More time was allotted for collecting and sharing evidence and led to the trial being scheduled.

As previously reported, Manson has been facing allegations from multiple women who came forward after being inspired by Evan Rachel Wood, who claimed that he “horrifically abused [her] for years.” Among those who shared their stories were Walters as well as Ashley Morgan Smithline, who accused him of sexual assault before recanting her statements, Esmé Bianco, who settled a lawsuit in which she accused him of abuse and human trafficking, Bianca Allaine Kyne, who filed a lawsuit after claiming he sexually assaulted her when she was a minor, and one unidentified woman, who settled a rape and death threat lawsuit.

For his part, Manson has continued to deny the allegations, while also lamenting the impact they have had on his career. He also filed a lawsuit against Wood for defamation, but has since been ordered to pay her legal fees. Despite all this, the L.A. District Attorney previously confirmed that Manson won’t be facing any criminal charges.