On Aug. 27, Marilyn Manson filed a major appeal in the State of California — challenging a LA Superior Court ruling that actress Evan Rachel Wood is privileged to both secure and file in court a forged FBI letter (that impersonated a REAL federal agent) as protected free speech.
MARILYN MANSON APPEALS RULING ON EVAN RACHEL WOOD’S FAKE FBI LETTER
So how did we arrive at this point?
Produced in Dec. 2020, was a fake FBI letter designed to push Evan Rachel Wood’s invention that she was in danger and needed to relocate for her safety. Manson contends that he has never been a threat to Wood or any member of her family. Evidence would go on to reveal the so-called letter was drafted between “Alabama” — a nickname commonly used by Wood — and her then associate Ashley Illma Gore.
All this was discovered by Gore’s younger sister, Bryton Gore, who witnessed the forgery in action. Morally objecting to the women’s actions, she turned over a sizeable amount of hard evidence to support Manson’s defense along with testimony on her observations and a conversation with Wood.
SHOWTIME
The notorious fake FBI letter made its first public appearance in a Dec. 2021 DailyMail “Exclusive” that mysteriously cites Wood’s attorneys as a source.
Marilyn Manson included the “FBI” letter his lawsuit against both Gore and Wood for conspiracy and fraud. Both quickly responded by filing anti-SLAPP motions arguing they have free speech. An intense year-long battled ensued with Wood insisting that while yes, she did file a forged document in court impersonating a federal agent — it is protected by the umbrella of free speech.
Manson’s attorneys argued that criminal activity is not considered free speech.
This will possibly be a key point on appeal, as 18 U.S.C. § 912, states that impersonating a United States officer or employee is a crime that can result in up to three years of prison time. And in California, Penal Code 538 establishes it is a crime to impersonate law enforcement and Penal Code § 132 establishes it is a felony to knowingly offer false documents as evidence in any legal proceeding or investigation.
FBI AGENT CONFIRMS IT’S A LIE
When fact-finding, Manson’s attorney Blair Berk made contact with Michele Langer – the FBI agent whose name is listed on Wood’s forged document. Langer confirmed:
- She did not write the letter
- She did not consent to her name being used on the letter
- She wasn’t involved in any case involving Wood
Manson’s attorneys fought for the chance to depose Agent Langer to have sworn testimony that would support their defense against an anti-slapp motion.
Hon. Teresa Beaudet denied this opportunity in a Sept. 2022 ruling when Manson petitioned the court for limited discovery. Beaudet has, however, continued to overrule many of the evidentiary objections lodged by Gore and Wood.
Beaudet has largely dismissed Gore and Wood’s “evidence” — ranging from online gossip forums to a HBO Max Phoenix Rising documentary as prejudicial hearsay.
In Spring 2023, after the conclusion of numerous objections between parties and hearings, Beaudet offered her questionable ruling that Manson is now appealing. She granted Wood’s motion to dismiss everything from the lawsuit regarding her fake FBI letter — determining it all to be “free speech.”
DISMISSING KEY TESTIMONY, CHECKLISTS AND SCRIPTS
On the opening appeal brief, Marilyn Manson’s attorney Howard E. King issued a statement, reflecting on LA Superior Court also ruling factoring in key testimony from Ashley Morgan Smithline.
Smithline is professional model who joined Wood in accusing Manson of abuse but went on to recant all of her allegations. Her testimony discusses how Wood and actress Esme Bianco (most known for a minor Game of Thrones role) coerced her at a vulnerable time to believe she repressed memories of abuse that did not happen.
Smithline continues to stand by her testimony that her relationship with Manson was fully consensual. She also testifies it was actually Ashley Illma Gore who drafted her false allegation to be published on Instagram in the ladies’ Feb. 2021 smear campaign.
Gore also lent her questionable artistic abilities to produce a checklist of 21 abuse allegations. This was allegedly circulated like homework in the recruitment phase as the women prepared a campaign against Manson.
Upon review, the checklist aligns with the mirroring allegations that effectively cancelled Marilyn Manson Feb. 2021. The checklist also reveals there was without a doubt a coordinated effort against the rockstar with Gore — a woman who’s never met him — exercising some level of influence on how the repetitive public statements were framed.
Reader’s Question: How many notebooks do you have drafting statements against your girlfriend/employer’s ex from a decade prior?
BACK TO MUSIC
With a lengthy appeal process underway in California, Marilyn Manson is going back to his roots by releasing new music under Nuclear Blast and returning to the stage with shows across the US with crowds welcoming him back to the spotlight.
He dropped two singles this month that have both been very successful on the Metal and Rock charts. Alongside the songs are two beautiful music videos directed by Billy Ukich.
Joined by Tyler Bates, Reba Myers, Piggy D and Gil Sharone — Manson is also currently touring North America. He’s doing double duty as a special guest of Five Finger Death Punch as well as select headlining dates.
A European tour leg is scheduled to kick off in Feb. 2025. Tickets have already sold out.
KEY LINKS
- Manson v Gore and Wood Lawsuit
- Opening Appeal Brief
- Ashley Morgan Smithline Testimony On Being Coerced to Lie
- Blair Berk Testimony On Connecting with Real FBI Agent
- Attorney Howard King with Exhibits
- Bryton Gore Testimony On Witnessing Forged Letter
- Michele Meyer — Owner of the Phone Number On Letter