Ashley Morgan Smithline‘s lawsuit against Marilyn Manson has been dismissed, the Los Angeles Times and Consequence report.
Smithline, a model, alleged in a May 2021 interview with People that Manson, born Brian Warner, sexually assaulted her. She filed a lawsuit in June 2021 accusing Warner of sexual assault, human trafficking and other forms of abuse.
According to the reports, Smithline’s case was dismissed after she did not hire new representation — or elect to represent herself — to replace her original attorney, who left the case in October.
In a statement to Consequence, Warner’s lawyer says, “We thank and commend Ashley Smithline for dismissing her claims against Brian Warner without seeking or receiving anything in return.”
“Ms. Smithline has refused to be manipulated by others who are trying to pursue their own agendas against Mr. Warner,” the statement continues. “We wish her well and will continue to work to assure that a significant price will be paid by those who have tried to abuse our legal system.”
Smithline is among several women who came forward with allegations of abuse against Warner after the musician’s ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood wrote that Warner had “horrifically abused [her] for years” in a February 2021 Instagram post. Along with Smithline, actor Esmé Bianco, Warner’s former assistant Ashley Walters and an anonymous Jane Doe also filed lawsuits, though Walters’ case was dismissed last May. Warner has denied the accusations.
Wood made further allegations against Warner in her documentary Phoenix Rising. Warner has responded with a defamation lawsuit against her.
In September 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department submitted its investigation on sexual assault allegations made against Warner to the LA County district attorney. However, the DA stated that “there is more material that is still outstanding” needed from the Sheriff’s Department.
If you are affected by abuse and needing support, or know someone who is, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online at thehotline.org or online.rainn.org, respectively.
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