Overview
- Billy Corgan told The New York Times Popcast that he “personally didn’t feel” Marilyn Manson was guilty of the abuse claims and that he stood by their decades-long friendship.
- Corgan said his judgment reflected his faith, private knowledge of aspects of the case and family connections between Manson and members of Smashing Pumpkins.
- The Los Angeles County district attorney closed a multi-year criminal probe in January 2025 without charges because of statute-of-limitations and evidentiary limits, but civil suits are still moving through court.
- Several civil actions have produced different outcomes: Esmé Bianco settled in 2023 and Ashley Walters’ suit was revived this year under California’s AB 250; Manson denies the allegations.
- Corgan’s public defense is likely to intensify the debate over personal loyalty versus public accountability and could influence how labels, promoters and peers handle Manson going forward.