The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has spoken out in defense of his long-standing friendship with Marilyn Manson, explaining his perspective on the numerous abuse and sexual assault allegations raised against the shock rocker in recent years. Appearing on The New York Times' Popcast, Corgan detailed how personal connections, behind-the-scenes insights, and the outcome of a lengthy criminal investigation shaped his refusal to distance himself from the musician.
Corgan emphasized that his personal faith and three-decade history with Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, influenced how he navigated the public backlash. The singer stated that while he takes serious allegations seriously, he relied on what he personally observed and evaluated rather than adopting broader cultural reactions.
Faith, Friendship, and Behind-the-Scenes Perspectives
Addressing the scrutiny surrounding their relationship, Corgan framed his support through the lens of loyalty and faith. He acknowledged that while friends can hold differing opinions or critique one another, he felt an obligation not to sever ties based on public sentiment alone.
"As a Christian person, you have to stand by your friends, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have an opinion, and it doesn’t mean you’re not critical," Corgan said on the podcast. He added that he was privy to information outside the public domain, stating, "In some cases, I knew personal things behind the scenes that are not in the public sphere. I personally didn’t feel that he was guilty of the things that he was being charged with, and ultimately the fact that the DA didn’t pursue … [it] was commensurate with the person I knew."
Beyond their musical camaraderie spanning nearly 30 years, Corgan highlighted that their lives are linked by family ties. Manson's wife, Lindsay, has a twin sister who is married to Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha. Because of that bond, Corgan noted that he views Manson as essentially part of their extended family, creating what he described as a "deeper set of relationships."
The Los Angeles District Attorney's Investigation
Corgan pointed to the conclusion of the criminal inquiry conducted by law enforcement in California as validation for his stance. In January 2025, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that his office would not file criminal charges against Warner following a four-year investigation.
Prosecutors concluded that the statute of limitations had expired regarding domestic violence claims, while sexual assault allegations could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Despite declining to bring charges, Hochman's office commended the women who participated in the inquiry, praising their courage and emphasizing that their testimonies contributed to greater awareness regarding domestic abuse.
Corgan remarked that he monitored the case closely, saying he had insight into the people involved and the details surrounding the inquiry. While expressing discomfort with public rush-to-judgment mentalities, Corgan asserted that if anyone is proven guilty in such circumstances, they should face prison time.
Overview of Civil Lawsuits and Past Allegations
Warner has faced public accusations and legal challenges from several women dating back to 2021, when actress Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused him of grooming, manipulation, and severe abuse during their past relationship. Warner consistently denied Wood's claims and subsequently filed a defamation suit against her in 2022. Warner later dropped the lawsuit in 2024, reaching a settlement that required him to cover Wood's legal expenses.
Other women in the entertainment industry also initiated civil proceedings against the musician, resulting in varied legal outcomes over the past several years:
- Actress Esmé Bianco filed a civil lawsuit against Warner that was formally settled in 2023.
- Model Ashley Morgan Smithline filed claims that were dismissed in 2023, after which she recanted her allegations.
- Former assistant Ashley Walters initiated a sexual abuse lawsuit that was later reopened for a second time.
Warner has maintained his innocence across the board, denying every allegation of misconduct and abuse leveled against him.
Navigating Public Accountability and Due Process
Corgan maintained during the interview that he refuses to allow outside pressures—whether social, political, or media-driven—to dictate his personal associations. While conceding that severe accusations present difficult personal dilemmas, he expressed aversion to what he characterized as mob mentality when allegations arise.
With the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office formally closing its criminal review without filing charges, Warner's unresolved legal matters remain confined to the civil court system, including the reopened proceedings involving Walters.
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Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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