Content warning: this article discusses sexual assault and violence and may be distressing to some readers. If you are experiencing sexual abuse or other unwanted behaviour, please contact Full Stop Australia.
In February 2021, Evan Rachel Wood made shocking allegations of abuse she endured by her ex-fiancé Brian Warner, better known to the world as Marilyn Manson.
While the actress and activist had spoken of an abusive relationship prior, keeping her abuser anonymous, the startling Instagram post saw Wood put a name to the allegations, and paved the way for others to come forward.
“The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson,” the post read. “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail.
It continued: “I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives. I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”
Following the post, four other women shared similar, horrific details of alleged abuse including sexual assault, psychological abuse and forms of coercion, violence and intimidation suffered under Manson.
The allegations were immediately and vehemently denied by the rock icon.
Now, the stories of Wood and her fellow survivors are being told in a new HBO documentary, Phoenix Rising.
The two-part documentary follows the women as they take justice into their own hands and push for legislative change.
Watch the full trailer below.
In a moving clip from the trailer, the Westworld actress is brought to tears as she says: “I realised this is the first time I haven’t been doubted, or questioned, or shamed. This was the first time that someone was really listening.”
The documentary, which made its premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and was produced by Amy Berg (HBO’s The Case Against Adnan Sayed) Grace Sin, Lesley Goldman and Katie Doering, has been met with critical acclaim for its portrayal of often misunderstood aspects of domestic abuse.
Update 2/3/22: In the lead up to the documentary’s release, The Hollywood Reporter reveals Manson has filed a lawsuit against Wood claiming she convinced fellow accusers to lie about the abuse they allegedly endured.
The suit also claims the actress impersonated a federal agent by forging letters, created fake email accounts under his name and hacked his computer.
“The timing and overlapping substance of the public accusations against Warner was no coincidence, but rather the product of a wrongful conspiracy by Wood and Gore to organize, coordinate, and promulgate false allegations about Warner,” the official complaint reads.
Wood is yet to repsond or comment regarding the lawsuit.
Phoenix Rising is set to premiere in Australia on BINGE on March 16th. You can stream the two-part documentary for free with a two-week trial when you sign up here.
