Rock star Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, was sentenced to 20 hours of community service and a fine stemming from an incident at a concert in New Hampshire in 2019.
The 54-year-old musician was charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault stemming from an unpleasant encounter with a camerawoman at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford on August 19, 2019.
In a settlement negotiated with prosecutors, Manson claimed he did not object to the charge of blowing the camerawoman’s nose, while the charge of spitting on her was rejected by prosecutors. The artist was fined just over $1,400 with $200 suspended.
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In addition, he was ordered not to be arrested for two years and to inform local police of any actions he takes in New Hampshire.
Regarding the community service hours assigned to him, the judge agreed to allow Manson to carry out his crimes in California. In his statements to the press, the composer also indicated that he could choose to work with people in rehabilitation and that he had until February 4 to provide evidence of his community service.
The judge required Manson to be physically present in the Laconia courtroom when the verdict was read, despite the musician’s request to appear via video call.
what is he accused of?
According to an official statement from authorities, Manson approached Susan Fountain, who was working as a camera operator. He stood nearby and spat “a lot of mucus” on her, staining her hands.
The defendant then plugged one nostril and sprayed mucus on the woman, making her arms and hands dirty. Fountain described the act in a statement as “the most disgusting thing a human being could have done.”
On Monday, Manson appeared in court wearing a black suit and sunglasses. The camerawoman was not present in the courtroom. The artist identified himself using his real name and provided no further information.
This incident adds to a series of controversies and allegations surrounding Manson in recent years, including allegations of sexual and physical abuse. Although some of these allegations have been debunked or settled out of court, the musician continues to face legal challenges and controversies throughout his career.
His defense argued that his acting style over the years included shocking and provocative acts similar to those that occurred in this incident, so the artist did not intend to offend anyone.
“The alleged victim consented to possible exposure to sweat, saliva and mucus indoors,” attorney Kent Barker wrote.
Manson established himself as a musical icon in the ’90s, gaining attention through both his controversies and hits like “The Beautiful People” and notable albums like “Antichrist Superstar” (1996) and “Mechanical Animals” (1998).
A California judge recently dismissed key parts of Manson’s lawsuit against “Westworld” actress Evan Rachel Wood. In it, the singer claimed that Wood made up allegations of abuse during their relationship and motivated others to accuse him.
It has been reported that Manson will attempt to reverse this decision. The lawsuit, filed last year, alleges that Wood, along with another defendant, Illma Gore, defamed him, caused emotional harm and harmed his professional career.