[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Hollywood actress Evan Rachel Wood (34) and several other women have accused rock singer Marilyn Manson (52) of psychological abuse and sexual assault.
On the 1st (local time), according to CNN and BBC, Wood revealed on her social media (SNS), "The name of the person who abused me is Brian Warner. He is also known as Marilyn Manson." Manson and Wood were former lovers; Wood, born in 1987, dated Manson, who was 36 at the time, for about three years starting in 2007 when she was 18.
Wood stated, "He began grooming me when I was a teenager and abused me terribly for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into obedience by him," adding, "I have lived in fear of retaliation, defamation, and threats."
She further said, "I lived in fear of retaliation, slander, and threats. But now I want to expose this dangerous person so he can no longer ruin other people's lives. I will stand with many victims who will no longer remain silent."
Previously, Wood had repeatedly revealed that she was a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, and abuse, but had not disclosed the identity of the perpetrator. Since then, Wood has actively led efforts to protect victims of sexual and domestic violence.
Following Wood's revelations, several other women, including Ashley Walters, Manson's former personal assistant, and Gabriella, known as the artist SourGirrrl, also issued similar statements on SNS accusing Manson of abuse and sexual assault. They claimed that Manson used profanity, forced drug use, and committed sexual abuse.
As the controversy continued, Manson denied all allegations on his SNS, calling the recent claims "horrible distortions." He also asserted that everything happened consensually. Additionally, Manson's representatives stated, "Evan Rachel Wood has spoken positively about her relationship with Manson many times over several years," adding, "People believe what they read on the internet and freely say what they want without actual evidence. The impact can be fatal, and spreading false information is completely irresponsible."
Wood, who debuted in 1994, gained popularity as the lead in the 2016 HBO drama 'Westworld,' appeared in films such as 'The Wrestler' and 'The Ides of March,' and provided voice acting in movies like Frozen 2 and Vikings.
Manson has been the leader and vocalist of the rock band Marilyn Manson, releasing 11 studio albums since 1994, three of which reached the top 10 in the UK charts, gaining considerable popularity.
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