Marilyn Manson, the controversial shock rocker, will not face criminal charges following a comprehensive four-year investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announced on Friday. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the allegations are too old to prosecute, falling outside the applicable statute of limitations, and that the evidence available did not suffice to charge the 56-year-old musician, whose legal name is Brian Warner. "We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation," he expressed in a statement.

The investigation, which began in 2021, centered on allegations from various women, including prominent accusations from actress Esmé Bianco, known for her role in Game of Thrones. Bianco accused Manson of grooming and abusing her during their relationship, providing substantial evidence to investigators, including photographs and documented threats. Following the DA's announcement, she publicly expressed her disappointment, saying, "Once again, our justice system has failed survivors," and emphasized the hurdles faced by victims in pursuing justice.

Manson has denied all accusations of wrongdoing, asserting that claims against him are "horrible distortions of reality." His legal team welcomed the decision, stating that the DA’s conclusion confirmed their longstanding position that Manson is innocent. Amid the deliberations, Manson's ex-fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood, had also come forward in 2021, detailing her own allegations of abuse and manipulation during their romantic involvement.

The DA's office had initially reviewed the case extending back to 2009-2011 when the alleged incidents occurred in West Hollywood, where Manson resided at the time. Despite the ongoing investigations, many involved felt frustrated by the slow legal processes attributed to systemic failures in handling such sensitive cases. Manson's attorney, Howard King, indicated satisfaction in the finality of the review, reinforcing their claim of innocence.

As the music industry continues to navigate the complexities surrounding abuse allegations, Manson remains a controversial figure, well known for his provocative persona and musical contributions, while the cases against him highlight the ongoing challenges faced by survivors within the legal framework. For further details, visit AP News, The Hill, and Los Angeles Times.