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Marilyn Manson is suing Evan Rachel Wood for defamation, emotional distress and ‘impersonation over the internet’.
According to a report by Rolling Stone, a lawsuit was filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday (March 2) by the singer.
He's accused Wood and her friend Illma Gore of portraying Manson ‘as a rapist and abuser', which he described as 'a malicious falsehood that has derailed Warner’s successful music, TV, and film career.’
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The lawsuit claims Wood and Gore conspired to take Manson down and ruin his career by secretly recruiting and pressuring alleged victims to speak out against Manson.
Through her work with Phoenix Act, a nonprofit organisation Wood founded, Manson claims Wood used this resource to coerce victims linked to the singer and make false accusations about him.
The lawsuit also states: “They provided checklists and scripts to prospective accusers, listing the specific alleged acts of abuse that they should claim against Warner.”
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Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, also accused the actress and Gore of impersonating the FBI, giving Manson the impression that a federal investigation about him was underway.
The singer also claims Gore attempted to obtain his login in details for his phone, computer, and email to try and create a fake account claiming he had sent people pornography so that the police would investigate Manson shortly after Wood made her allegations.
Manson is currently seeking unspecified damages from Wood and Gore; and an injunction against them.
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Manson and Wood began publicly dating in 2007 and became engaged in 2010, but they ended their relationship several months after.
In February 2021, Wood came forward with allegations via an Instagram post stating that: "The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson."
"He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission."
She also said: "I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him before he ruins any more lives."
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Manson denied Wood’s claims but was subsequently dropped by his talent and record label.
Wood is set to release an HBO documentary Phoenix Rising: Don’t Fall, which will detail her alleged abusive relationship with Manson.
It premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival last month and will drop on March 15.
Charisa Bossinakis