Controversial rock musician Marilyn Manson made a dramatic appearance on the Paris Fashion Week runway this Sunday, showcasing a striking gothic aesthetic. This high-profile fashion moment occurred mere weeks after a Los Angeles judge decided to reopen a significant sexual assault lawsuit filed against the artist, breathing new legal life into allegations from over a decade ago.
A Gothic Spectacle on the Catwalk
The 57-year-old shock rocker, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, walked the snow-covered catwalk for the Enfants Riches Déprimés Fall/Winter 2026 show. He wore his signature stark white gothic makeup, complemented by long black robes adorned with gold brooches and a medal around his neck. As artificial snow fell dramatically from the ceiling, Manson completed his look with bizarre contact lenses and slicked-back dark hair, holding a microphone before performing for the star-studded audience at Maison de la Chimie.
Legal Developments Resurface Past Allegations
This fashion week appearance follows a crucial legal development in California. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steve Cochran reinstated a lawsuit against Manson that had been dismissed in December. The dismissal originally occurred because the case exceeded the statute of limitations, but a new California law enabling older sexual assault cases to be heard in court allowed for this reversal.
"I looked at this closely," Judge Cochran stated during a hearing, according to media reports. "I do think the statute revives the claim."
The lawsuit was originally filed in May 2021 by Ashley Walters, a former assistant who worked for Manson Records between 2010 and 2011. Her allegations include serious claims of sexual assault and workplace harassment during her employment.
Detailed Allegations from Former Assistant
Walters' lawsuit presents numerous disturbing accusations against the musician:
- She alleges Manson sexually assaulted her during a 2010 photo shoot, pinning her to a bed, biting her ear, and forcing her hand down his underwear.
- She claims he showed her a video depicting abuse of a minor girl and boasted about raping women.
- Throughout 2010-2011, she reports incidents of thrown dishes, threats of suicide, being pushed into walls during drunken rages, and being forced to stand for 12-hour photography sessions.
- She alleges Manson made her take cocaine to stay awake, whipped her and others while telling them they could "take it," and threw hatchets when angry.
- Walters also claims she witnessed Manson throw a prop skull at his then-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood with enough force to leave a welt.
Walters states she only fully comprehended the abuse after entering therapy, learning she had "near-immediately repressed" the traumatic memories.
Legal Arguments and Previous Cases
Manson's legal team, led by attorney Howard King, maintains the lawsuit will ultimately fail. King argues that while Walters made claims about workplace harassment, she has no pending claims for sexual assault as defined in the penal code, which would be required under the new law.
"The undeniable fact is that Mr. Warner never committed any sexual assault," King asserted in a statement.
The defense previously argued the case violated California's two-year statute of limitations since the alleged abuse occurred between 2010 and 2011. However, Walters contends her case falls within the "delayed discovery" rule, which allows plaintiffs to start the time limit after comprehending their injury.
This isn't the first sexual assault case against Manson to face legal hurdles. Another case alleging sexual assault and domestic violence was dismissed in January 2025 for exceeding the statute of limitations. Several women have accused Manson of abuse over the years, including actress Esme Bianco of "Game of Thrones" fame and his former partner Evan Rachel Wood.
The juxtaposition of Manson's dramatic Paris Fashion Week appearance with these serious legal developments creates a stark contrast between his public persona and the ongoing private legal battles. As the fashion world celebrates avant-garde expression, the California legal system prepares to examine disturbing allegations from over a decade ago under new legislative parameters.
