# Billy Corgan Defends Marilyn Manson Friendship Despite Sexual Assault Claims Against Manson: “I Didn’t Feel That He Was Guilty”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/billy-corgan-defends-marilyn-manson-friendship-despite-sexual-assault-claims-against-manson-i-didnt-feel-that-he-was-guilty/
- Published: 2026-10-24T18:44:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:10:31+00:00
- Original publisher: The Hollywood Reporter
- Original article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/billy-corgan-defends-marilyn-manson-friendship-didnt-feel-guilty-1236739561/

## Key points

- Billy Corgan says he did not believe Marilyn Manson was guilty.
- Prosecutors brought no criminal charges, citing legal and evidential limits.
- Manson denies the allegations; civil cases have had varied outcomes.

## Summary

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has defended his friendship with Marilyn Manson, who has faced allegations of sexual assault and abuse from multiple women. Corgan said he did not believe Manson was guilty of the accusations, while stressing that he was not trying to adjudicate the case and that anyone found guilty should go to prison.

Corgan cited his nearly 30-year relationship with Manson, personal knowledge of the case and the Los Angeles district attorney’s decision not to bring criminal charges. In January 2025, prosecutors said the limitation period had expired on domestic violence claims and they could not prove sexual assault charges beyond reasonable doubt. Manson denies the allegations; related civil cases have included settlements, a dismissal and a lawsuit that was recently reopened.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.