Evan Rachel Wood Reacts to D.A. Dropping Marilyn Manson Sexual Assault Case
By Erin Carlson
January 24, 2025
| Key Details | Information |
| Incident | District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Marilyn Manson would not face charges. |
| Key Figures | Evan Rachel Wood, Marilyn Manson (Brian Warner), Nathan Hochman |
| Date of Announcement | January 24, 2025 |
| Legal Outcome | The case was closed due to the statute of limitations and lack of sufficient evidence. |
| Statute of Limitations | Domestic violence allegations fell outside the legal timeframe for prosecution. |
| Wood’s Advocacy Effort | Helped pass the Phoenix Act in 2019, extending the statute of limitations for domestic violence. |
| Relationship Timeline | Wood and Manson dated 2007–2010, with Wood alleging grooming and abuse. |
| Defamation Case Outcome | Manson dropped his lawsuit against Wood in 2024, paying $327,000 in legal fees. |
Evan Rachel Wood has spoken out after Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman revealed that Marilyn Manson, her former fiancé, will not face charges for allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Hochman, in a statement released on January 24, 2025, confirmed the closure of the case after four years of investigation. He cited the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence as the reasons behind the decision.
The D.A.’s Statement
Nathan Hochman addressed the decision, emphasizing the importance of survivors’ voices:
“We have determined that allegations of domestic violence fall outside of the statute of limitations and we cannot prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt. We recognize and applaud the courage and resilience of the women who came forward to make reports and share their experiences, and we thank them for their cooperation and patience with the investigation.”
Despite the legal barriers, Hochman acknowledged the bravery of Evan Rachel Wood and other survivors who stepped forward with their stories.
Evan Rachel Wood’s Reaction
In response to the announcement, Evan Rachel Wood, 37, issued a heartfelt statement on her private Instagram account, as reported by People. Wood expressed her frustration with the legal limitations while reaffirming her commitment to advocacy:
“My lawyer and I were advised by the Deputy District Attorneys and the Sheriff deputies who investigated the case that there was compelling evidence to support our claims, but that the statute of limitations prevents many of those crimes from being prosecuted.”
Wood highlighted the challenges survivors face in seeking justice for crimes committed years earlier, particularly in cases where statutes of limitations apply.
Advocating for Change: The Phoenix Act
Wood also discussed the Phoenix Act, a groundbreaking law she helped pass in California in 2019. The act extended the statute of limitations for domestic violence cases from three to five years and required law enforcement to undergo additional training to handle such cases more effectively. However, as Wood explained:
“Unfortunately, the Phoenix Act cannot help in cases which occurred before it was passed, but I hope this shines a light on why it’s so important to advocate for better laws.”
She concluded with a powerful message about the need for legal reform:
“Evidence of violent crimes should not have an expiration date. I am grateful for the work law enforcement has done, and I am endlessly proud of all the survivors who risked everything to protect others by speaking the truth.”
Wood and Manson’s History
Evan Rachel Wood and Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, began dating in 2007 when Wood was just 19 years old. The relationship, which ended in 2010, became the subject of controversy when Wood publicly accused Manson of grooming and abuse. In a 2021 Instagram post, she detailed her experiences:
“He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission.”
Wood’s decision to come forward was part of a broader effort to hold Manson accountable for his actions. Her allegations were supported by statements from other women, several of whom accused Manson of abuse in 2021. These revelations were explored in HBO’s Phoenix Rising, a two-part documentary that highlighted Wood’s advocacy journey and the challenges faced by survivors of abuse.
Legal Battles
Manson responded to the allegations by filing a defamation lawsuit against Wood in March 2022. The lawsuit claimed that Wood’s accusations were false and damaging to his career. However, in November 2024, Us Weekly confirmed that Manson had dropped the lawsuit, agreeing to pay $327,000 in legal fees incurred by Wood during the proceedings. This marked a significant moment for Wood, who had endured years of legal and personal attacks while advocating for survivors.
A Call for Accountability in the Industry
Evan Rachel Wood’s experiences have shed light on the prevalence of abuse within the entertainment industry. In a 2021 Instagram post, she explained her reasons for coming forward:
“I was done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives.”
Evan Rachel Wood: Net Worth, Biography, and Advocacy
Evan Rachel Wood is not only a celebrated actress but also a passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Her work in the entertainment industry and activism has garnered public attention and respect.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Evan Rachel Wood’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million. The majority of her wealth comes from her extensive acting career, which includes roles in critically acclaimed films, television series, and voice work. Additional sources of income include brand endorsements, public speaking engagements, and her advocacy work.
Her career highlights include starring in HBO’s “Westworld”, which earned her critical acclaim and lucrative paychecks. It is reported that she earned up to $250,000 per episode during the series’ peak seasons.
Biography of Evan Rachel Wood
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Evan Rachel Wood |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1987 |
| Age | 37 (as of January 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Raleigh, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Ira David Wood III (actor/director) and Sara Lynn Moore (actress/director) |
| Siblings | Ira David Wood IV, Aden Elins, Dana Wood |
| Height | 5’6” (167 cm) |
| Education | Homeschooled; earned her high school diploma at age 15 |
| Career Start | Acting debut in 1994 with TV series “American Gothic” |
| Notable Works | Westworld, Thirteen, The Wrestler, Across the Universe, HBO’s Phoenix Rising |
| Awards | Critics’ Choice Award (2017), Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Westworld |
| Advocacy Work | Co-author of the Phoenix Act; advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse |
| Relationships | Previously engaged to Marilyn Manson (2007–2010); dated actor Jamie Bell, with whom she has a son |
| Children | One son, born in 2013 |
| Hobbies and Interests | Music, activism, reading |
Evan Rachel Wood: Career Overview
Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actor, appearing in television series like American Gothic and Once and Again. Her breakout role came in 2003 with the indie drama Thirteen, where she played a troubled teenager. The performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and cemented her status as a rising star in Hollywood.
Since then, Wood has built a diverse filmography, starring in acclaimed movies such as The Wrestler (2008), Across the Universe (2007), and Frozen II (2019), in which she voiced Queen Iduna. However, her most iconic role to date is Dolores Abernathy in HBO’s Westworld, a series that redefined her career and showcased her range as an actress.
Personal Life
Evan Rachel Wood was born into a family of performers in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her father, Ira David Wood III, is a prominent theater director, and her mother, Sara Lynn Moore, is also an actress. Growing up in a creative household, Wood was drawn to acting from an early age. By the time she was a teenager, she had already appeared in multiple TV shows and films.
Her personal life has often been under media scrutiny, particularly her relationship with musician Marilyn Manson, which she later revealed was abusive. Wood’s experiences with Manson became the driving force behind her advocacy for survivors of domestic violence.
Advocacy Work and the Phoenix Act
Wood’s most notable contribution outside of her acting career is her role as an advocate for domestic violence survivors. After revealing her own experiences of abuse in 2016 and 2021, she co-authored and championed the Phoenix Act, a California law that extends the statute of limitations for domestic violence cases and improves law enforcement training.
In 2022, Wood’s activism was chronicled in HBO’s documentary Phoenix Rising, which detailed her journey as a survivor and advocate. Her work continues to inspire survivors and push for systemic change in the legal and social handling of domestic abuse cases.
Legacy and Influence
Evan Rachel Wood has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and social advocacy. Her talent as an actress and her courage as a survivor have solidified her as a role model for women around the world. With a net worth of $8 million, a thriving career, and a lasting impact through the Phoenix Act, Wood exemplifies resilience and empowerment.
