Marilyn Manson’s defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood has been struck down by a Los Angeles judge. The lawsuit accused Wood of coercing other women into making allegations against the rockstar. The judge declared Wood’s comments about Manson’s 1996 short film, “Groupie,” as “protected activity” under California law, and sided with her in the ongoing case. Manson’s attorney called the ruling “disappointing but not unexpected” and plans to appeal. In this article, we will explore the details of the case, the judge’s ruling, and the reactions from both parties.
Introduction
The defamation lawsuit filed by Marilyn Manson against Evan Rachel Wood and Illma Gore accused the actresses of conspiring to portray him as an abuser. The lawsuit was filed in March 2022, and the court has been hearing arguments from both parties since then. In the recent ruling, the court struck down 10 of Manson’s claims against Wood, and declared her comments about “Groupie” as protected under the law.
Manson’s Claims and Allegations
In the defamation lawsuit, Manson alleged that Wood and Gore conspired to coerce other women into making false allegations against him. He also accused them of impersonating FBI agents to further coerce the women. Manson claimed that their actions have derailed his successful music, TV, and film career, and publicly cast him as a rapist and abuser. The lawsuit also claimed that the allegations made by Wood and others were false and part of a conspiracy.
The Judge’s Ruling
Judge Teresa Beaudet sided with Evan Rachel Wood in the case and struck down 10 of Manson’s claims against her. She also declared Wood’s comments about Manson’s 1996 short film, “Groupie,” as protected under California law. Wood and Gore had previously claimed that the film featured an underage individual, which Manson denied. Manson’s attorney, Howard King, called the ruling disappointing and plans to appeal.
Reactions from Both Parties
Manson’s attorney expressed disappointment with the ruling and plans to appeal. He claimed that the court refused to consider critical evidence, including the affidavit from former plaintiff Ashley Smithline, which walked back on her allegations against Manson and claimed that she was pressured by Wood and Gore. Wood’s attorney, Michael Kump, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it affirms and protects Evan’s exercise of her fundamental First Amendment rights. He also said that Manson failed to show that his claims against her had even minimal merit.
Conclusion
The recent ruling by Judge Teresa Beaudet strikes down 10 of Marilyn Manson’s claims against Evan Rachel Wood and declares her comments about his 1996 short film, “Groupie,” as protected activity under California law. While Manson’s attorney plans to appeal, the ruling is a victory for Wood and her exercise of her First Amendment rights. The remaining claims against Wood and Gore for hacking and wrongful impersonation will go to trial in May 2024.
FAQs
1. What is the defamation lawsuit filed by Marilyn Manson against Evan Rachel Wood?
In March 2022, Marilyn Manson filed a defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood and her girlfriend, Illma Gore. The suit alleged that Wood and Gore conspired to coerce other women into making false allegations against Manson and that they impersonated FBI agents to further coerce the women.
2. What were the claims made by Marilyn Manson in the lawsuit against Wood and Gore?
Marilyn Manson’s claims in the lawsuit included allegations that Wood and Gore cast him as a rapist and abuser, which he described as a malicious falsehood that has derailed his successful music, TV, and film career. Manson also claimed that Wood and Gore manufactured a conspiracy to portray him as an abuser.
3. What did the judge rule in the defamation case?
On Tuesday, a Los Angeles judge struck down 10 claims made by Marilyn Manson in the defamation lawsuit against Evan Rachel Wood. The judge also declared Wood and her girlfriend’s comments about Manson’s 1996 short film, Groupie, as “protected activity” under California law. Manson’s remaining claims against Wood and Gore, for hacking and wrongful impersonation, will go to trial in May 2024.
4. What was the reaction from Manson’s attorney after the ruling?
Manson’s attorney, Howard King, called the ruling “disappointing but not unexpected” in a statement shared with PEOPLE. King also stated that the failure to admit critical evidence, along with the court’s decision to not consider Gore’s iPad, which contained a forged FBI letter, will be the subject of an immediate appeal to the California Court of Appeal.
5. What is the status of the remaining claims against Wood and Gore?
The remaining claims against Evan Rachel Wood and Illma Gore, for hacking and wrongful impersonation, will go to trial in May 2024. The judge set the tentative trial date after striking down 10 of Manson’s claims in the defamation lawsuit.