Warning: This article contains content that may disturb some readers.
Marilyn Manson has denied abusing his former partners after his ex-girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood and at least four other women alleged he had subjected them to horrific physical and psychological torture.
In an Instagram post, Manson called the claims - which range from brainwashing to domestic and sexual violence - "horrible distortions of reality".
"Obviously, my life and my art have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality," he wrote.
"My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how - and why - others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."
Manson turned comments off for the post, but it was liked by his wife Lindsay Usich, who he married last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this week, Wood released a statement naming Manson as her abuser, claiming he subjected her to "horrific abuse" throughout their relationship. The pair got together in 2007, when Wood was 19 and Manson was 37. The Westworld actress alleged Manson was a "dangerous man" who "branwashed and manipulated" her into submission, having begun grooming her when she was a teenager.
Four more women spoke out about the 'Beautiful People' singer's "horrifying, deranged behaviour" alongside Wood, and since then, more have come forward. Wood has been sharing the latest testimonials on her Instagram Story with trigger warnings due to the nature of the content.
Many of the women recounted similar experiences, including being cut to perform "blood pacts" with Manson, being held against their will and deprived of sleep and food, and having heavy objects thrown at them. Almost all of Manson's former partners said they now suffered PTSD as a result of the relationship.
Following the accusations, Manson's record label Loma Vista cut ties with him effective immediately.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584