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Billy Corgan: I never thought Marilyn Manson was guilty

Billy Corgan has spoken about why he stayed loyal to Marilyn Manson while the singer faced abuse allegations, saying he never believed his friend was guilty of the claims against him.

The Smashing Pumpkins frontman discussed his roughly thirty-year friendship with the rocker on The New York Times' Popcast podcast on Thursday. He said that as a Christian he felt he had to stand by the controversial artist, whose real name is Brian Warner, when several women accused him of misconduct and abuse.

Corgan stressed that supporting someone does not rule out having an opinion or being critical. He pointed out that the district attorney examined the case for five years, and said he knew private details that never became public. In his view, Warner was not guilty of the things he was charged with, and the fact that the DA chose not to pursue the matter mattered to him.

Warner has previously settled out of court with several accusers, among them actress Esmé Bianco, and in November 2024 he dropped a long-running defamation suit against his former partner Evan Rachel Wood. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department looked into a number of abuse claims against the 57-year-old, but in January 2025 announced that no charges would be filed, citing a lack of evidence and a legal technicality. The Beautiful People singer has always insisted he is innocent and that all his sexual relationships were consensual.

Corgan, 59, said anyone in that position struggles with how serious the accusations are, but that knowing the inside story and some of the people involved led him to his conclusion. He added that if Warner, or anyone else in such a situation, were guilty, they should go to jail.

He also noted a family connection: Warner's wife, Lindsay Usich, is a twin, and her sister Ashley Usich is married to Pumpkins guitarist James Iha. That, Corgan said, makes Manson essentially part of their family, with deeper ties between the two households.

Representatives for Warner have not yet responded to Corgan's comments.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Muzland
Added by Frank
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