Marilyn Manson Sexual Assault Lawsuit Revived Under New California Law

A lawsuit accusing Marilyn Manson of sexual assault has been revived after a Los Angeles judge reversed his own earlier dismissal, citing a newly enacted California law that expands the time window for survivors to bring claims.

On Monday, L.A. Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran granted a motion to reconsider the civil case filed by Ashley Walters, a former assistant to the musician, whose legal name is Brian Warner. The lawsuit had been dismissed last month but was reinstated following the passage of Assembly Bill 250, which allows certain sexual assault claims to proceed even if they would previously have been barred by the statute of limitations.

Walters first filed her lawsuit in 2021. In her complaint, she alleged that she met Warner through social media after he contacted her about a potential collaboration. According to the filing, when she later visited his home, he pushed her onto a bed and attempted to place her hand inside his underwear. Walters said she left the encounter but later agreed to work as Warner’s assistant, during which time she alleges she experienced further abuse. Details of the allegations were previously reported by Rolling Stone.

Warner has consistently denied all allegations against him. Following Monday’s ruling, his attorney, Howard King, reiterated that position in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.

“Ashley Walters has been given the right to pursue a narrow claim of sexual assault under the newly enacted law, a claim that will not survive the next motion for summary judgment,” King said. He added that Walters has “no pending claims for sexual assault as defined in the penal code” and is not permitted to add new claims under the court’s ruling.

King also emphasized that Warner has never committed sexual assault, noting that the Los Angeles County District Attorney declined to file criminal charges after a multi-year investigation.

In January 2025, the District Attorney’s Office announced it would not pursue criminal charges against Warner following a four-year probe. In a statement at the time, prosecutors acknowledged the women who came forward, saying their advocacy had helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, even though charges could not be brought.

Warner has faced similar allegations from other women over the years, including actress Esmé Bianco and former fiancée Evan Rachel Wood, all of which he has denied.

Walters’ attorney, Bina Ahmad, welcomed the judge’s decision in a statement to Deadline, calling it a significant step forward for her client.

“We are thrilled for Ms. Walters. She has never given up fighting for justice,” Ahmad said. She added that Walters had overcome numerous obstacles and argued that the new law prevents alleged abusers from avoiding accountability by relying on expired legal deadlines.

The revived case is expected to proceed under the narrower scope permitted by Assembly Bill 250, with further motions likely as the litigation continues.