Heavy metal band Slipknot have announced a new world tour, with Marilyn Manson due to appear as a support act. The eight-piece group, known for performing in masks, will be joined by the US rock musician during their shows at London's Wembley Stadium and multiple dates of the South American leg of the tour. Some fans have reacted angrily to the news and said they will not attend the shows over past sexual abuse accusations against the 57-year-old.
Manson, real name Brian Warner, has always strongly denied any allegations against him. Thousands of fans replied to an Instagram post featuring the line-up for the London gigs, which also includes metalcore band Hatebreed. While some posts expressed excitement at the support acts, many were critical of Manson's presence on the bill, describing it as "disappointing".
Others, who described themselves as long-time Slipknot fans, said they would not buy tickets for the show in protest at his appearance. One wrote: "Would've loved to see this but there's literally nothing you could do to get my cash in Manson's pockets." Another added the announcement was "such a disappointment" and they would not be attending. However, others disagreed, with one pointing out the two acts have a "huge fanbase overlap" and describing Manson as a "perfect support act".
Manson was publicly accused of abuse by actress Evan Rachel Wood, who was in a three-year relationship with the singer from 2007. Posting in 2021, she alleged he "horrifically abused" and "manipulated" her and said she had spoken out to warn others about "a dangerous man". Manson said the claims were "horrible distortions of reality" and his "intimate relationships had always been entirely consensual".
Several other women came forward on social media at the time with similar statements accusing Manson of abuse. Wood featured in a 2022 documentary series, Phoenix Rising, which focused on her allegations against Manson. He sued Wood and another woman for defamation, accusing them of impersonating FBI agents and forging federal documents.
A judge dismissed some of Manson's claims, and he eventually settled the case and agreed to pay Woods' legal fees in 2024. Last year, prosecutors in Los Angeles said they would not bring criminal charges against Manson, external after a four-year investigation into accusations of domestic abuse and sexual assault involving multiple women. The district attorney's office said the domestic abuse charges fell "outside of the statute of limitations" and it was unable to "prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt." BBC Newsbeat has approached Marilyn Manson's representatives and gig promoters Live Nation UK for a response.
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