Former assistant to Marilyn Manson, Ashley Walters, is attempting to reinstate her sexual abuse lawsuit against the musician using a new California statute that allows revival of time-barred claims. The case was dismissed last month due to the statute of limitations, but Walters argues the law, effective January 1, 2026, applies retroactively. This move could test the scope of the legislation in a high-profile context.
Ashley Walters, who worked as an assistant to Marilyn Manson—real name Brian Warner—in 2010, filed her initial lawsuit in 2021 alleging severe mental and sexual abuse. She described being subjected to whipping, having plates thrown at her, being pinned down, unwanted advances including a bite to her ear and forced contact, prolonged standing punishments, and physical violence during drug-fueled episodes. Walters also recounted witnessing Warner hurl a prop skull at his then-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood in December 2010, causing injury, and aiding his distressed partners in hiding.
The suit faced an early dismissal in May 2022, but an appeal succeeded in 2023, paving the way for a trial initially scheduled this month. However, on December 16, 2025, Los Angeles Judge Steve Cochran granted summary judgment to Warner, ruling the 2010 claims were too dated and rejecting arguments about repressed memories from trauma.
Now, with California's AB 250 law in effect since January 1, 2026, Walters' team has filed a motion to vacate the dismissal or amend the complaint. The statute provides a two-year window to revive expired adult sexual abuse claims against individuals, differing from prior law AB 2777 by not requiring proof of cover-ups for personal suits. Walters' lawyers assert the case remained pending without a final judgment, as Warner's side only notified intent to dismiss on January 5, 2026. They argue efficiency favors reconsideration over an inevitable appeal, stating, “For judicial efficiency, this court should grant plaintiff’s Motion for Reconsideration or Leave to Amend now, rather than force all parties to expend significant resources on appeal.”
Warner, aged 57, has denied the accusations and settled with other accusers, including Esmé Bianco, while dropping related claims against Wood. His attorney, Howard King, called the effort “meritless” and predicted failure, noting two prior dismissals. Walters' counsel countered that the law targets cases like hers, adding, “Outdated statute of limitations arguments will no longer protect him.” A hearing has been set, potentially marking an early significant challenge to AB 250 amid broader allegations against Warner that surfaced in February 2021, backed by a Rolling Stone investigation involving over 55 sources.