Content warning: this article about Sharon Osbourne and Marilyn Manson discusses sexual assault.
If you or someone you know is affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Sharon Osbourne has weighed in on the abuse allegations that have recently come to light against Marilyn Manson.
Osbourne and Manson’s working relationship has spanned over decades. The disgraced shock-rocker is an Ozzfest veteran, first performing at the festival back in 1997. He was also slated to support Ozzy Osbourne during his 2020 tour that was ultimately cancelled amid Ozzy’s ongoing health battles.
During a recent episode of her CBS talk show, The Talk, Sharon Osbourne addressed the allegations against Manson; a response to the stream of concerned comments she’s received from fans about their working relationship.
“I’ve known Marilyn for 25 years,” mused Sharon. “[I’ve] worked with him for many, many years, and, obviously, I would not know what goes on in his bedroom; neither do I want to.”
He continued, “But as far as people who’ve been going on all my socials, calling me names and things and putting up pictures of Marilyn and I, you know, there’s something called a working relationship, and that’s what I’ve had with Marilyn for many years. I know nothing about his sexual preferences or the way he treats women. I know how he treats an older woman, which is me, and he’s always been respectful.”
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On February 1st, Thirteen and Westworld actress Evan Rachel Wood released a statement, identifying Marilyn Manson as the man who groomed and physically, sexually and emotionally abused her.
“The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson,” Wood wrote. “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years.
“I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives. I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”
Wood’s statement prompted four other women to come forward, detailing their own alleged abuse experienced at the hands of Manson. Incidents that spanned from rape, sexual assault and psychological abuse.
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Following the abuse allegations coming to light, Manson released a brief statement, essentially denying all claims made against him. Whilst Manson’s label, Lomo Vista, announced that they would cease working with the artist.
“Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth.”
