What’s next for Marylin Manson after the Evan Rachel Wood allegations?

American actress Evan Rachel Wood has officially named Marilyn Manson as the ex-boyfriend, who allegedly put her through years of physical and emotional abuse. Whilst she has been recounting her experience in an ongoing court case for the past couple of years, this is the first time she has actually named Manson.

“The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson,” Wood wrote. “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission."

“My experience with domestic violence was this: Toxic mental, physical and sexual abuse which started slow but escalated over time, including threats against my life" In 2018, she testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee as part of an attempt to get the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights passed in all 50 states.

Although Manson has been confronted with the accusation that Wood was indeed referring to him, he outright denied these accusations saying that Wood was "delusional."

Manson has already been dropped by his label, despite not being given a chance to respond to the allegation. But that's the issue, isn't it? Many people feel Manson, and others, need to be given a fair trial before any repercussions fall upon their image or career. However, when someone like Evan Rachel Wood spends years telling her story, as well as 4 other people coming forward, and an ex-tour manager all confirming the story, or recounting similar experiences, you can't surely be that naive to think he's innocent just because there is no lasting physical evidence?

Manson is a very smart individual, so it would stand to reason he would know exactly how to manipulate someone into believing he is right and convince the other person that what they are going through is normal.

So what's next for Marilyn Manson?

This will hit his career harder than the Columbine scandal. He can definitely say goodbye to selling out an Arena ever again or having a hit record. But what about a conviction or jail time? Will Marilyn Manson face any jail time or be convicted? If we look at the recent Johnny Depp/Amber Heard case, so far, not much has happened despite Depp presenting actual evidence of abuse. These types of cases often come down to one person's word against another's. However, if the defendant is met with multiple people claiming an offence of a similar nature, this can be grounds to indicate a crime, such as assault, has been committed.

The most likely outcome here is Manson will be taken to court by Wood, the case may very well be dismissed for lack of evidence and there's a strong probability Manson will countersue for defamation of character.

An abuser can abuse because they can manipulate you and convince you it's all your fault, that's how they get away with it. No doubt Manson will present himself as a very intelligent and articulate man in the courtroom. Remember who else presented themselves in such a manner? Ted Bundy. 50 years on and nothing has changed.