The Australian government is reviewing the visa application of musician Marilyn Manson ahead of his planned 2027 tour. This investigation follows intense pubic backlash regarding ongoing sexual assault allegations against the performer.
The Department of Home Affairs' Review of the February 2027 Tour
The Australian Department of Home Affairs is currently "looking into" the visa status of Brian Warner, known professionally as Marilyn Manson, according to a report by the Daily Mail. The musician announced a return to Australia in February 2027, with scheduled performances in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane. This marks the first time the 57-year-old artist will visit the country in 12 years.
The probe follows a surge of online condemnation from the public. critics argue that the Australian government should not grant entry to an individual facing such severe accusations, with some calling the prospect of his return a "slap in the face to all women."
The November 15, 2027 Trial Date for Ashley Walters
A central point of contention is the civil lawsuit filed by Ashley Walters, a former personal assistant to Marilyn Manson. As the Daily Mail reported, a Los Angeles judge has set a jury trial date for November 15, 2027. This timing is critical, as the legal proceedings in the United States will likely still be active during the window of the proposed Australian tour.
The Ashley Walters case was revived thanks to a specific California law that expanded the statute of limitations for older sexual assault claims.. While Marilyn Manson has denied all wrongdoing,the fact that the case survived a previous dismissal has intensified calls for his exclusion from Australian soil.
The $327,000 Legal Fee Payout to Evan Rachel Wood
This current controversy echoes a wider pattern of allegations that gained global momentum in February 2021.. At that time, actress Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused Marilyn Manson of abuse, a claim later detailed in the 2022 HBO documentary Phoenix Rising. Wood alleged that she was sexually assaulted during the production of the 2007 music video "Heart-Shaped Glasses."
The legal fallout from these accusations has been extensive. In November 2024, Marilyn Manson dropped a defamation lawsuit and an appeal against Evan Rachel Wood, agreeing to pay approximately US$327,000 in her legal fees. Although this payment was not a formal court finding of guilt, it represents a significant retreat in his legal strategy against his most prominent accuser.
Sherele Moody and the Push to Ban Brian Warner
The push for a ban is being led by figures such as Australian journalist and victim advocate Sherele Moody. Moody has criticized not only the government but also the ticketing agencies and venues that have facilitated the tour's planning,arguing that the artist should be banned from touring in Australia entirely.
Several critical questions remain regarding the tour's viability. it is currently unclear whether the venues in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney have contingency plans if the Department of Home Affairs denies the visa. Furthermore, the source does not indicate if the Australian government is coordinating with US authorities to monitor the progress of the Ashley Walters trial before making a final determination.
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