.jpeg "Marilyn Manson Loses Latest Attempt to Dismiss Former Assistant’s Sexual Assault Lawsuit")
The ruling allows Walters’ revived civil case to move forward and marks another setback for Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, as he continues to face legal challenges stemming from abuse allegations that first surfaced publicly in 2021.
Judge Refuses to Dismiss Walters’ Revived Lawsuit
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran declined to throw out or reduce claims contained in Walters’ third amended complaint, ruling that the allegations are strong enough to proceed while both sides gather evidence.
The decision comes just months after the same judge revived Walters’ lawsuit under California’s Assembly Bill 250 (AB 250), a law that created a temporary window allowing certain previously expired adult sexual assault claims to be heard in court.
Manson’s legal team argued that Walters’ allegations do not meet the legal standards required under the new law.
Attorney Alexa Foley told the court that Walters failed to show she was physically restrained during the alleged assault, which she argued was necessary for the claim to qualify for revival under AB 250.
According to Walters’ complaint, the incident occurred in May 2010 at Warner’s West Hollywood home studio. She alleges that Warner pushed her onto a bed, pinned her arms, attempted to kiss her, then later grabbed her hand and placed it inside his underwear after she pulled away.
Foley argued that any alleged restraint had ended before the alleged sexual contact occurred.
Judge Cochran disagreed that the issue should be decided at this early stage.
“What’s being alleged, as alleged, would ring that bell,” the judge said during the hearing, indicating that the claims were sufficient to survive dismissal.
The judge added that determining the precise legal application of AB 250 should happen later in the case after evidence has been collected.
Defense Signals Future Challenge
Although Manson’s latest motion was denied, his legal team viewed the ruling as procedural rather than a final defeat.
Outside the courtroom, attorney Howard King said the judge’s comments suggested that a future motion for summary judgment could still be successful once discovery is complete.
“This was not unexpected,” King said. “It’s a clear invitation for a summary judgment motion. The judge telegraphed explicitly that we’re not at the right stage of the case yet.”
Walters’ attorneys welcomed the decision.
“We are obviously pleased,” attorney Bina Ahmad said. “We truly take the inspiration to keep fighting from our client. She’s the brave one.”
The court scheduled a case management conference for August 2026.
A Lawsuit That Has Been Dismissed and Revived Multiple Times
Walters’ lawsuit has followed one of the most complicated legal paths among the civil cases filed against Manson.
A professional photographer, Walters worked as Manson’s personal assistant from 2010 to 2011. She filed her lawsuit in 2021, alleging sexual assault, physical abuse, emotional abuse, workplace misconduct, coercive control, and other forms of mistreatment during her employment.
The lawsuit initially faced significant obstacles because it was filed roughly a decade after the alleged events occurred.
First Dismissal
In May 2022, a Los Angeles judge dismissed the case as untimely, ruling that Walters had waited too long to file.
Appeal and Revival
An appellate court later revived the lawsuit, finding that Walters should have an opportunity to prove that trauma-related memory suppression delayed her ability to take legal action.
Walters argued that she suffered from severe psychological trauma and PTSD that prevented her from fully processing or recalling the abuse until years later.
Second Dismissal
In late 2025, Judge Cochran dismissed the lawsuit again, concluding that Walters had failed to establish a sufficient basis for extending the statute of limitations through delayed memory claims.
AB 250 Changes Everything
The legal landscape shifted dramatically on January 1, 2026, when California’s AB 250 took effect.
The law created a two-year revival window for certain expired adult sexual assault claims, allowing survivors whose cases were previously barred by statutes of limitation to return to court.
Walters’ attorneys quickly sought reconsideration based on the new law.
In January 2026, Judge Cochran vacated his previous dismissal and officially reinstated the lawsuit, making it one of the first major cases to test the reach of AB 250.
What Walters Alleges
Walters’ allegations extend beyond the single assault claim currently at the center of the AB 250 dispute.
In her lawsuit, she alleges that Warner subjected her to a pattern of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse while she worked for him.
Her claims include allegations that:
• She was forced to work excessively long hours, sometimes up to 48 hours without adequate rest.
• Warner threw objects and plates during violent outbursts.
• She was subjected to intimidation and threats.
• She was required to transport illegal drugs.
• She experienced sexual misconduct and coercive behavior.
• Warner created a hostile and abusive work environment.
The lawsuit also contains allegations involving Warner’s relationships with other women.
Walters claims she witnessed incidents involving actress Evan Rachel Wood and other girlfriends, including allegations of violence and coercive control.
Warner has denied all allegations.
Broader Context: The Criminal Investigation
The civil lawsuit exists alongside a larger history of allegations made against Manson by multiple women.
Following public accusations in 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department launched a lengthy criminal investigation into allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault dating back more than a decade.
After several years of investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced in January 2025 that no criminal charges would be filed.
Prosecutors cited two primary reasons:
• Some allegations fell outside the applicable statute of limitations.
• Evidence available to investigators was insufficient to prove criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The decision ended the criminal investigation but did not affect ongoing civil lawsuits.
Other High-Profile Cases Against Manson
Evan Rachel Wood
Actress Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused Manson in February 2021 of grooming and abusing her during their relationship.
Wood never filed a lawsuit against Manson. Instead, Manson sued Wood and her partner, Illma Gore, for defamation in 2022.
The lawsuit alleged that Wood and Gore fabricated abuse claims, coached accusers, and participated in a conspiracy to damage Manson’s career.
Most of Manson’s claims were dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP laws, which protect free speech and public participation.
In November 2024, Manson abandoned the remaining portions of the lawsuit and agreed to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars toward Wood’s and Gore’s legal fees.
Esmé Bianco
“Game of Thrones” actress Esmé Bianco filed a federal lawsuit against Manson in 2021, alleging rape, sexual assault, physical abuse, and human trafficking violations.
Bianco claimed Manson used promises of professional opportunities to bring her to Los Angeles before subjecting her to abuse.
Manson denied the allegations.
In January 2023, Bianco and Manson reached a confidential settlement, ending the lawsuit without a trial.
Ashley Morgan Smithline
Model Ashley Morgan Smithline also sued Manson but later publicly recanted many of her allegations. Her lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.
Manson Continues to Deny Allegations
Throughout the various investigations and lawsuits, Manson has consistently denied accusations of sexual assault, domestic violence, and abuse.
His attorneys have repeatedly argued that the allegations are false, exaggerated, or unsupported by evidence and have maintained that his relationships were consensual.
While Manson avoided criminal charges, several civil matters have continued through the courts, with Walters’ case now emerging as one of the most significant remaining legal battles.
What Happens Next?
The latest ruling does not determine whether Walters’ allegations are true. Instead, it allows the lawsuit to proceed into further evidence-gathering and legal review.
Both sides are expected to continue discovery and prepare for future motions that could shape the case before any trial occurs.
A case management conference is scheduled for August 2026, where the court will determine the next steps.
For now, Judge Cochran’s decision ensures that Ashley Walters’ lawsuit remains active, keeping one of the most closely watched civil cases involving Marilyn Manson moving forward.
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Celebrity Legal
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