Controversy swirls around Marilyn Manson's performance at Black Sabbath's final show, where he paid respect to Ozzy Osbourne in a video message, following the cancellation of his UK gig due to public outcry.
Marilyn Manson, the shock rocker known for his controversial reputation, found himself at the centre of a storm at Black Sabbath's farewell concert in 2017. Despite his tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, Manson's involvement sparked backlash, with some fans calling his presence "disgraceful".
The controversy did not stem from the tribute itself, which acknowledged Ozzy's impact, but from the choice to include Manson in the event given the serious accusations and contentious standing he holds within parts of the metal community and fanbase.
In the preceding months, Manson had been under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 19 months before evidence was turned over to prosecutors in 2022. However, charges could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and Manson's concert was not pursued due to allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The controversy reached the political sphere when Green Party MP Sian Berry wrote an open letter to Brighton and Hove City Council, calling for the cancellation of a concert. The letter was co-signed by the University of Sussex's students' union and some victim support groups.
Manson has been accused by a dozen women of sex abuse, rape, and torture. He has vehemently denied all the allegations. In August of last year, parts of his lawsuit were thrown out, and he dropped the case in November. Notably, Evan Rachel Wood, Manson's ex-girlfriend, accused him of sex crimes but never filed a lawsuit.
In a separate incident, Manson filed a defamation lawsuit against Wood and her friend, Illma Gore, over what he called 'malicious' and 'false' sexual abuse allegations. The court proceedings are ongoing.
Despite the controversies, Manson continues to maintain a presence in the music industry, with his influence and connection to the metal scene recognised by some, while others remain critical due to his prior accusations and shock rocker image.
News of Manson's continued involvement in the entertainment industry has sparked debate due to the serious health and ethical concerns surrounding him. Regardless of his music's impact or the outcome of court proceedings, his celebrity status in the metal community and fanbase remains marred by accusations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse.
