Former Assistant Revives Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Marilyn Manson After New California Law

A civil lawsuit against Marilyn Manson has been brought back to life after a change in California law, reopening a case that had repeatedly been dismissed on technical grounds.

The ruling, made by a Los Angeles judge recently, allows a former assistant to pursue long-standing allegations against the rock musician years after the alleged abuse took place. It marks a fresh legal challenge for Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, and highlights how new legislation is reshaping the legal landscape for sexual assault survivors.

Marilyn Manson Lawsuit Revived

Marilyn Manson has faced multiple accusations of sexual abuse and misconduct over the past several years, leading to both criminal investigations and civil lawsuits in California. Authorities examined claims linked to alleged incidents between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood, where Warner lived at the time.

On 25 January 2025, California prosecutors confirmed they were dropping a years-long criminal investigation into the musician, as per BBC News. They said the allegations fell outside the statute of limitations and that they could not prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The decision ended the criminal case but did not close the door on civil action. Four women had filed lawsuits accusing Warner of rape, sexual assault or physical abuse, including model Ashley Morgan Smithline, actor Esmé Bianco, and his former personal assistant, Ashley Walters. Warner has denied all allegations through his lawyer, Howard King, who said his client had always maintained his innocence.

One of those civil cases, brought by Walters, had been dismissed several times before being revived under a new California law that took effect at the start of this year.

Former Assistant's Request Granted

According to Yahoo Entertainment, the revived Marilyn Manson lawsuit was filed by Ashley Walters, who worked as Warner's personal assistant. Her claims were first lodged in 2021 but were dismissed; they were briefly reinstated on appeal and then dismissed again in December 2025 as filed too late.

That changed on 26 January 2026, when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran granted Walters' request for reconsideration. He ruled that a new statute created an exception to the usual time limits, allowing her case to proceed.

In a short court order, Judge Cochran stated: 'The motion for reconsideration filed by Ashley Walters on 7 January 2026 is granted.' He added that the statute 'revives the claim' and set aside the earlier dismissal.

Walters alleges that Warner subjected her to sexual exploitation, manipulation, and psychological abuse while she worked for him between 2010 and 2011. Her lawyers said they were 'thrilled' with the decision and accused Warner of repeatedly trying to avoid accountability.

A further court hearing in the case is scheduled for March.

What Is Assembly Bill 250?

Assembly Bill 250 is a California law designed to give adult survivors of sexual assault another chance to seek civil justice. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025, the law took effect on 1 January 2026.

It creates a two-year 'look-back window' that allows certain lawsuits to be filed even if they were previously blocked by time limits. The window runs until 31 December 2027 and applies to adults assaulted after the age of 18, where a private entity is alleged to have played a role in covering up the abuse.

California normally requires adult sexual assault claims to be filed within 10 years of the incident or three years after the injury is discovered. Assembly Bill 250 temporarily overrides those limits, which supporters say could lead to a rise in older cases being brought back to court.

The law defines a cover-up as a concerted effort to hide evidence or prevent information from becoming public, including the use of non-disclosure agreements. Its supporters argue it offers survivors a rare opportunity to pursue accountability that was previously out of reach.