Marilyn Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, has been sentenced to 20 hours of community service and a fine after pleading no contest to assaulting a videographer at a concert in New Hampshire in 2019. The shock rocker appeared in court in Laconia, where he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault. Manson pleaded no contest to the charge of blowing his nose on the videographer, while the other charge of spitting on her was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
As part of the deal, Manson was fined a little over $1,400, with $200 suspended. He must also remain arrest-free and inform local police of any performances in New Hampshire for two years. The judge allowed Manson to serve his community service in California, and he mentioned the possibility of working with people in recovery. Manson is required to provide proof of his community service by February 4.
According to a police affidavit, Manson approached videographer Susan Fountain during the concert and spat on her, striking her hands with saliva. He later approached her again, covering one nostril before blowing his nose on her arms and hands. Fountain described the incident as “the most disgusting thing a human being could have done.” Manson was captured on concert video footage pointing and laughing at Fountain as she walked away.
Manson, dressed in black and wearing dark sunglasses, appeared in court and identified himself as Brian Warner. His lawyer argued that the type of filming Fountain was doing exposed her to potential contact with bodily fluids. Manson’s trial was scheduled for August, but he pleaded not guilty to both charges in 2021.
Manson, known for his controversial performances and hit songs, has faced multiple allegations of sexual and other abuse from several women in recent years. Most of the lawsuits have been dismissed or settled. Manson’s lawsuit against his former fiancee, Evan Rachel Wood, was partially thrown out by a California judge in May. He is currently appealing the ruling, claiming defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
