Hello, and welcome to The Reheat! Each week, I write a column summarizing the highlights of the podcast I co-host with Sadaf Ahsan. Our podcast, also titled The Reheat (what a coincidence!), re-examines the most salacious scandals of yester-year through a contemporary lens. Whether it’s a deep dive into Bennifer’s original love story from the 2000s or a meditation on the time princess Anne was almost kidnapped, we explain why each saga captured our imaginations back in the day. Sadaf and I also ask, would these stories be as scandalous if they happened in 2021? The answers to that question might surprise you!
Whenever we release a new episode, I share some of the most interesting (or in this week’s case, troubling) information right here, for Addicted Magazine’s lovely readers. Obviously, we hope these columns tantalize you enough to listen to our podcast. That’s where you’ll learn the compelling facts I don’t share here…
Intimate partner violence impacts countless women and non-binary people worldwide. Research from the WHO suggests as many as 27% of women have endured this kind of abuse. And celebrities are not immune to this problem. Today’s column is a somber one; it’s dedicated to the brave women holding Marilyn Manson accountable for his alleged history of intimate partner violence.
How The Allegations Became Public
Born Brian Warner, Manson achieved fame in the 90s with rock albums like Antichrist Superstar. In addition to his large fanbase and millions of dollars in royalties, the alternative rocker has received considerable industry validation for his work: Manson boasts four Grammy Nominations and he’s Lily-Rose Depp’s godfather (Yes, the one whose father is Johnny Depp). But behind the scenes, the music superstar was allegedly using his considerable wealth and power to abuse women.
In early 2021, actress Evan Rachel Wood shared the details of the abuse she experienced at the hands of her former fiance, Marilyn Manson. Evan met Marilyn when she was just 18 and he was 36. Her Instagram post explained, “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission.” Over the course of the five years they spent together, Wood alleges her former partner was sexually, physically and emotionally abusive to her. Other victims, including Esme Bianco and Ashley Morgan Smith-Line, have also come forward to share details of similar experiences with the rocker.
How Marilyn Responded to The Abuse Allegations:
Manson has gone on record denying the abuse allegations. So, how does he explain multiple women coming forward to accuse him of crimes he purports not to have committed? In 2021, Manson released a statement claiming “others are now choosing to misrepresent the past.” As an aside, gaslighting is also a form of emotional abuse…
When the abuse accusations became public, Marilyn’s record label, Loma Vista Recordings, dropped the rocker. To date, he has not faced criminal charges for intimate partner violence, but the LA County Sheriff’s office has launched an investigation into his alleged crimes.
On March 3rd, 2022, Manson filed a lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood, claiming her claims of abuse are fabricated and responsible for derailing his career.
Evan Rachel Wood Is Now An Advocate For The Rights of Survivors
Even before Evan Rachel Wood was ready to reveal the identity of her abuser, she began advocating for laws that would better protect survivors of intimate partner violence. Evan played an instrumental role in the passing of California’s Phoenix Act, a law that extends the time survivors have to press charges against their abusers. The story is a true reminder that not all heroes wear capes. Although, we would love to see Evan play Marvel superhero one day!
If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, there is help. Please do not suffer alone. You are worthy of feeling safe.
Sarah Sahagian
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