Rock musician Marilyn Manson has abandoned his defamation lawsuit against actress Evan Rachel Wood and agreed to pay $327,000 in attorney fees, according to statements from lawyers representing both parties.
The lawsuit, filed in March 2022, alleged that Wood had fabricated abuse allegations against Manson and coordinated with others to damage his career. However, a Los Angeles County judge dismissed major portions of the case in 2023.
Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, initiated settlement discussions this spring through his legal team. Wood's attorneys noted that she rejected requests to keep the settlement terms confidential.
"After four years of fighting a battle where he was able to tell the truth, Brian is pleased to dismiss his still-pending claims and appeal in order to close the door on this chapter of his life," stated Howard King, Manson's attorney.
Wood's lawyer Michael J. Kump characterized the original lawsuit as "a publicity stunt to try to undermine the credibility of his many accusers and revive his faltering career."
The settlement comes amid an ongoing criminal investigation involving multiple women's allegations against the 55-year-old musician. The LA County District Attorney's office continues to evaluate new evidence in the case.
Wood first spoke publicly about experiencing abuse in 2017 without naming her abuser. In 2020, she identified Manson as her alleged abuser via Instagram. The pair had dated beginning in 2007 and were briefly engaged in 2010.
Manson has consistently denied all allegations of non-consensual acts. The lawsuit's resolution marks the end of this legal chapter between the former couple, though investigations into abuse claims continue.