Marilyn Manson’s Controversial Runway Appearance
“I looked at this closely. I do think the statute revives the claim,” stated Judge Steve Cochran, as he reopened a sexual assault case against Marilyn Manson just weeks before the musician’s runway appearance at Paris Fashion Week.
On March 9, 2026, Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, walked the runway during Enfants Riches Déprimés’s Fall/Winter 2026 show. This event coincided with International Women’s Day, prompting significant backlash from critics who condemned the decision to feature Manson.
Critics voiced their disapproval, with one stating, “Shame on you for putting Marilyn Manson on the runway! Not in 2026! Not on International Women’s Day!” Another critic added, “Someone who deliberately chooses to bring up Marilyn Manson on Women’s Day deserves absolutely no respect.”
The lawsuit against Manson was originally filed in May 2021 by his former assistant, Walters, who alleges that Manson sexually assaulted her during her employment from 2010 to 2011. The case was dismissed in December 2021 due to exceeding the statute of limitations, but it was reinstated under a new law allowing older sexual assault cases to be heard in court.
Walters is one of at least 13 women who have accused Manson of sexual misconduct over the years, with allegations dating back to the late 1990s. Manson’s lawyer, Howard King, has maintained that the lawsuit will fail, asserting, “The undeniable fact is that Mr. Warner never committed any sexual assault.”
Enfants Riches Déprimés, the avant-garde luxury fashion brand that showcased Manson, is known for exploring themes of alienation and rebellion. The brand’s name translates to “depressed rich kids,” reflecting its edgy aesthetic.
As the fashion world continues to grapple with issues of accountability and representation, Manson’s appearance on the runway raises questions about the intersection of celebrity culture and legal controversies. The implications of this event may resonate beyond the runway, particularly as discussions surrounding consent and accountability in the entertainment industry evolve.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps in the reopened lawsuit, but the legal landscape surrounding Manson continues to shift as he navigates both his career and the serious allegations against him.