A Los Angeles County judge has set a jury trial date for Nov. 15, 2027, in the lawsuit filed by Ashley Walters against Marilyn Manson, according to Rolling Stone. Walters says the musician, whose legal name is Brian Warner, sexually assaulted her in 2010 and later abused her while she worked as his assistant.
At a hearing Wednesday, Judge Steve Cochran said the case had taken a “windy road” since it was first filed in 2021 and then dismissed and revived more than once. He told the court he would consider an expedited date, but after Walters’ attorney asked for a November date next year, he scheduled the matter for trial in 2027.
Walters alleges that Warner pushed her onto a bed, pinned her arms, tried to kiss her, bit her ear and forced her hand into his underwear during an encounter in May 2010. She also claims that after taking a job as his assistant, he whipped her, threw plates at her, made her stand on a chair for long periods and hurled her into a wall during drug-fueled rages.
Warner’s attorney, Howard King, said in a statement after the hearing that the defense believes the case will not reach trial because of an upcoming summary judgment motion. Warner has denied wrongdoing. Walters first came forward in 2021, around the time other women, including Evan Rachel Wood, accused Warner of abuse.
