Marilyn Manson, real name Brian Warner, has settled out of court with actor Esmé Bianco. According to Bianco's lawyer Jay Ellwanger in a report by Rolling Stone, "Ms. Bianco has agreed to resolve her claims against Brian Warner and Marilyn Manson Records, Inc. in order to move on with her life and career."
Bianco originally filed a lawsuit against Manson in April 2021 over allegations of rape, physical abuse, and human trafficking.
"Mr. Warner used drugs, force, and threats of force to coerce sexual acts from Ms. Bianco on multiple occasions," read the 2021 lawsuit. "Mr. Warner raped Ms. Bianco in or around May 2011." It went on to claim that Warner "committed sexual acts" with Bianco at times when she was unconscious or unable to consent, and lists the ways she claims he sexually battered her: "These acts include spanking, biting, cutting, and whipping Ms. Bianco's buttocks, breasts, and genitals for Mr. Warner's sexual gratification — all without the consent of Plaintiff."
Bianco later claimed that Manson was using his influence within the industry to harm her career, namely cutting her out of a Deftones music video. Her claim at the time stated that Manson "used his power and influence in the entertainment industry to interfere with Ms. Bianco's ability to continue working with Deftones.
Another case against Manson brought forth by model Ashley Morgan Smithline was dismissed earlier this year. Smithline's attorney Jay Ellwanger (also Bianco's lawyer) backed out of the case in October. Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha offered Smithline 90 days to either hire a new attorney or represent herself, of which she did neither by the December 5 deadline. The case was officially dismissed without prejudice on January 3.
