Marilyn Manson Drops Defamation Lawsuit Against Evan Rachel Wood

Marilyn Manson, aka Brian Warner, has officially dropped his defamation lawsuit against ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood, bringing a dramatic legal battle to a close nearly three years after it began. The shock rocker had filed the suit in March 2022, claiming Wood had “publicly cast” him as a “rapist and abuser,” allegations he said derailed his music, TV, and film career. He also accused the Westworld actress of impersonating an FBI agent—a claim that sparked headlines around the world.

Fast forward to today, Manson has not only abandoned the case but also agreed to pay Wood’s attorney fees, totaling nearly $327,000.

“Marilyn Manson — whose real name is Brian Warner — filed a lawsuit against Ms. Wood as a publicity stunt to try to undermine the credibility of his many accusers and revive his faltering career,” Wood’s attorney Michael J. Kump shared in a statement via Variety. “Warner’s decision to finally abandon his lawsuit and pay Ms. Wood her full fee award…confirms as much.”

On Manson’s side, attorney Howard King expressed relief at moving past the situation, stating, “After four years of fighting a battle where he was able to tell the truth, Brian is pleased to dismiss his still-pending claims and appeal in order to close the door on this chapter of his life.”

Wood’s attorneys had previously filed to dismiss most of Manson’s claims under the anti-SLAPP statute, which protects free speech under the First Amendment. The court ultimately granted the motion and ordered Manson to cover Wood’s legal fees. While Manson’s team initially appealed the ruling and attempted to negotiate a settlement—including a confidentiality agreement—it seems those efforts fell flat, leading to the current resolution.

Wood first accused Manson of sexual assault and abuse in February 2021, prompting several other women to come forward with their own allegations. Manson’s defamation lawsuit followed a year later but now stands as another chapter closed in their contentious public feud.

As Manson puts this legal battle behind him, the spotlight will likely remain on the broader conversations around abuse in the entertainment industry. Wood continues to advocate for survivors, while Manson seeks to rebuild his public image.