A Los Angeles judge has dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Marilyn Manson's former assistant Ashley Walters, ruling that her claims fall outside the statute of limitations. The decision cancels a trial set for next month and revives questions about the delayed discovery rule in abuse cases. Walters' attorney plans to appeal the ruling.
Case Background
Ashley Walters, who worked as Marilyn Manson's personal assistant from 2010 to 2011, filed a lawsuit in 2021 accusing the singer, whose real name is Brian Warner, of sexual harassment, verbal, physical, and psychological abuse. She alleged incidents including being whipped, thrown against a wall, forced to consume cocaine, and offered sexually to others. The initial suit was dismissed in 2022 by Judge Steve Cochran due to the two-year statute of limitations. An appeals court revived it in December 2023, citing potential trauma-induced memory suppression under the delayed discovery rule.
Recent Ruling
On December 16, 2025, Judge Cochran dismissed the case again during a hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court, stating that the complaint was filed about 10 years after the events and that the delayed discovery rule did not apply. "I’m not able to find that the delayed discovery rule is applicable," the judge remarked. This ruling cancels the trial scheduled for January 2026.
Reactions and Context
Walters' lawyer, Kate McFarlane, expressed disappointment, arguing that the rule should protect victims manipulated by power dynamics. "The delayed discovery rule is specifically to address situations where victims of sexual abuse deserve the ability to seek justice," McFarlane told Rolling Stone. Manson's attorney, Howard King, called the decision "gratifying," saying it showed Manson was "wrongfully accused" and allowing him to "move on."
This case is part of broader allegations against Manson that surfaced in 2021, including from Evan Rachel Wood and Esmé Bianco. No criminal charges were filed after a Los Angeles Sheriff's investigation, and Manson has settled with some accusers while dropping a defamation suit against Wood.
For support: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) or Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741-741).
