Marilyn Manson is once again facing legal action after a California judge revived a sexual assault lawsuit filed by his former assistant Ashley Walters, reopening a case that had previously been dismissed multiple times.
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sexual assault.
As reported by Music News, Walters’ civil claims against Manson, born Brian Warner, were first filed in 2021 and since then, the case has taken a winding legal path, being dismissed, reinstated on appeal, and dismissed again in last December (2025) on the grounds that it was filed outside the statute of limitations.
That changed on Monday, when Judge Steve Cochran reopened the case following the introduction of a new California law.
According to Billboard, Assembly Bill 250, which came into effect on January 1st, creates a two year window allowing alleged victims of sexual abuse to file lawsuits that would otherwise be considered time-barred.
Judge Cochran ruled that the new law applies to Walters’ claims, which allege that Manson subjected her to “sexual exploitation, manipulation and psychological abuse” during her employment between 2010 and 2011.
“The motion for reconsideration filed by Ashley Walters on 7 January 2026, is granted,” the court order states.
“Statute revives the claim. The court orders the dismissal ordered on 16 December as to the entire action set aside and vacated.”
In a statement issued Monday, Walters’ legal team welcomed the decision.
“Mr Warner has tried time and again to avoid accountability for his abuse against Ms Walters,” the statement read.
“We look forward to continuing to fiercely advocate for Ms Walters until Mr Warner finally answers for his abuse.”
Significant development
The ruling marks another significant development in the ongoing legal fallout surrounding Manson, who has been accused of sexual abuse by multiple women in recent years. The allegations first gained widespread attention in 2021 when his former fiancée Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused him of abuse, prompting others to come forward with similar claims.
While Manson has previously denied allegations made against him, the reopening of Walters’ lawsuit signals that the legal scrutiny surrounding the musician is far from over, the case now moves back into active litigation, with a follow-up court appearance scheduled for March.
As California’s expanded legal window begins to take effect, Walters’ case could set an important precedent for other survivors seeking accountability through the courts.
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