Warning: This article contains content that may disturb some readers.
Evan Rachel Wood has accused her former partner Marilyn Manson of subjecting her to years of "horrific abuse," including brainwashing and manipulation.
"The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson," Wood wrote on Instagram.
"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. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives," she continued.
The Westworld star said that she stood alongside Manson's "many victims who will no longer be silent," referring to at least four other women who also accused the musician of abuse.
Manson's record label Loma Vista announced it would cease promotion of his latest album effective immediately, and would no longer work with him in future in light of the "concerning developments".
Wood and Manson began their relationship in 2007, when she was 19 and he was 37. She inspired Manson's song 'Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)', and starred in the music video alongside Manson, where the pair performed a sex scene while covered in fake blood.
In a 2009 interview with Spin following their break up, Manson said he fantasised every day about "smashing her skull in with a sledgehammer" and revealed he had self-harmed while frantically calling her to try and win her back.
The pair reconciled and got engaged in 2010, before finally splitting for good later that year.
In Instagram statements by four more former partners of Manson's, the 'Beautiful People' singer is accused of "horrifying, deranged behavior" that ranged from psychological torture to physical violence.
One woman named Ashley Walters claimed Manson would prevent her from leaving, offer her up for sexual encounters with friends and potential collaborators and use sound frequencies that can make a person nauseous, as well as throwing glass plates and heavy objects at her.
Another, Sarah McNeilly, alleged Manson "terrorised and scarred" her, locking her in rooms when she was "bad" and threatening to "bash her face in with a baseball bat" he was wielding.
Many of the women had similar stories that involved Manson cutting them with glass to perform "blood pacts" and forcing them to take drugs. All four said they now suffered from PTSD as a result of the abuse.
In 2018, Wood appeared before the US House Judiciary Committee during a campaign for the 2016 Survivors Bill of Rights Act, in which she detailed her experience with domestic abuse but did not name anyone.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
