Marilyn Manson, the 57-year-old rocker whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, commanded the runway at Paris Fashion Week on Sunday. This appearance comes weeks after a Los Angeles judge reinstated a sexual assault lawsuit against him.
Dramatic Catwalk at Enfants Riches Déprimés Show
Manson donned his signature gothic white makeup for the Enfants Riches Déprimés Fall/Winter 2026 presentation at Maison de la Chimie. He strode down a snow-dusted catwalk in flowing black robes adorned with gold brooches and a medal. Artificial snow cascaded from the ceiling, amplifying the theatrical vibe. Clutching a microphone, Manson performed for the audience after his runway walk. Fellow models wore provocative gothic ensembles, aligning with the French brand’s all-black aesthetic.
Reinstated Sexual Assault Lawsuit
The lawsuit, originally filed in May 2021 by Manson’s former assistant Ashley Walters, alleges sexual assault during her employment at Manson Records from 2010 to 2011. Dismissed in December due to the statute of limitations, the case returned to Los Angeles Superior Court under a new law allowing older sexual assault claims.
Judge Steve Cochran, who dismissed the suit previously, reversed his decision at a Monday hearing. “I looked at this closely,” Cochran stated. “I do think the statute revives the claim.”
Walters claims Manson exploited his power, pinning her to a bed at a 2010 photoshoot, biting her ear, and forcing her hand into his underwear. She describes feeling confused and fearful afterward. Over the following year, he allegedly bombarded her with messages, threw dishes, threatened suicide, and shoved her during drunken outbursts.
Further allegations include Manson pushing her onto an actor’s lap at a 2010 awards show, declaring the actor could “have her.” The actor reportedly kissed her and kept her there. Walters also accuses him of forcing her to stand for 12 hours, take cocaine to stay awake, whipping her and others, and throwing hatchets in anger. She witnessed him hurl a prop skull at then-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood, leaving a welt.
Walters entered therapy years later, realizing she had repressed the memories. She invokes California’s “delayed discovery” rule to argue the case falls within the timeframe.
Manson’s Defense and Broader Accusations
Manson’s attorney, Howard King, dismissed the claims. “While Ms. Walters made several now-irrelevant claims about so-called workplace harassment, she has no pending claims for sexual assault as defined in the penal code, as would be required under the new law, nor is she permitted under the ruling to add new claims,” King stated. He added, “The undeniable fact is that Mr. Warner never committed any sexual assault.”
Multiple women, including actress Esme Bianco from Game of Thrones and ex-partner Evan Rachel Wood, have accused Manson of abuse. One case alleging assault and domestic violence was dismissed in January 2025 for exceeding the statute of limitations.
Manson consistently denies all allegations.
