Marilyn Manson is now scheduled to face a jury in a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought by his former personal assistant Ashley Walters, with the case currently set to go to trial in November 2027.
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sexual assault.
A judge reportedly set November 15th, 2027 as the trial date during a hearing on August 12th, marking the latest development in a legal battle that has repeatedly been dismissed and revived over statute of limitations issues (per Lamb Goat).
Walters first filed her lawsuit against Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, in 2021. Her complaint alleged sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual battery and emotional distress, alongside alleged violations of California civil codes. Walters says the alleged incidents occurred during her employment with Manson in 2010 and 2011.
The lawsuit’s path through the California courts has been complicated, it was dismissed and reinstated multiple times before being dismissed again last December (2025), after a judge determined the claims had been filed outside the applicable statute of limitations.
California’s Assembly Bill 250
That changed in January this year, following the introduction of California’s Assembly Bill 250.
As previously reported, the legislation created a temporary window allowing adult survivors of alleged sexual abuse to bring civil claims that would otherwise have been barred by the statute of limitations. Judge Steve Cochran subsequently revived Walters’ case, determining that the new law applied to her claims.
Manson’s legal team has continued to fight the lawsuit, a judge rejected his latest attempt to have the case dismissed in June.
His attorney, Howard King, has now indicated that the defence intends to seek summary judgment before the scheduled trial.
“We’re confident the case will never get to trial after the court hears our upcoming motion for summary judgment.”
That means the November 2027 date is not necessarily the final word on whether a jury will hear the case. The court will first have to consider Manson’s forthcoming motion, which seeks to resolve the matter without a trial.
Manson has denied Walters’ allegations.
The civil case is also separate from the criminal investigation into allegations against Manson. Earlier this year, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that it would not pursue criminal charges following its investigation.
Walters’ lawsuit remains active for now, with the newly scheduled jury trial representing another major milestone in a case that has been moving through the courts for more than five years.
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