Judge tosses key claims in Marilyn Manson's defamation case against Evan Rachel Wood
![Marilyn Manson and Evan Rachel Wood](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3WGNochRGbF9jFm4VMfJ85-415-80.jpg)
Marilyn Manson's defamation case against Evan Rachel Wood has hit a major setback.
A judge has tossed significant parts of the rock star's defamation lawsuit against Wood, his ex-fiancée who accused him of sexual abuse, according to The Associated Press. Judge Teresa A. Beaudet gutted the case by tossing several of Manson's claims against Wood, including that she forged an FBI letter and made a checklist of claims to give to other women so they could accuse him of abuse, Deadline reports.
In 2021, Wood accused Manson of sexually abusing her during their relationship, leading numerous other women to come forward and bring legal claims against the rocker. The Westworld star also discussed her allegations against Manson in a 2022 HBO documentary, Phoenix Rising. Just ahead of the documentary's premiere, Manson sued Wood for defamation. One of his most explosive claims was that she forged "a fictitious letter" from an FBI agent "to create the false appearance that Warner's alleged 'victims' and their families were in danger, and that there was a federal criminal investigation of Warner ongoing." She denied Manson's claims.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Wood's attorney said "we are very pleased with the Court's ruling, which affirms and protects Evan's exercise of her fundamental First Amendment rights." Manson's attorney, meanwhile called the ruling "disappointing but not unexpected," alleging the court "refused to consider" a declaration from a woman detailing "how women were systematically pressured by" Wood to make false allegations against Manson. Manson's lawsuit, which the AP notes still includes his claims that Wood inflicted emotional distress on him, is set to proceed.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Ukraine's Olympians: going for gold in the line of fire
Under the Radar Hundreds of the country's athletes have died in battle, while those who remain deal with the psychological toll of war and prospect of Russian competitors
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published