Rose McGowan has publicly addressed the abuse allegations surrounding her former partner Marilyn Manson, offering a detailed and personal explanation of why she has chosen not to condemn him.
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses abuse allegations
Speaking on the We Need to Talk podcast, the Scream actor reflected on their past relationship, the pressure she faced to speak out, and her decision to stand by what she believes is true.
“I ran away with the circus at that point. I described him [Marilyn Manson] in my book as one of the smartest, funniest people I’d known. Very gentle,” McGowan said.
“And there’s so many people that were that I kind of recognized like people trying to um, destroy someone for being a freak and weird and unique. That I related to that and I put me on my like high defensive mechanism like I can protect him, you know.”
McGowan explained that when allegations against Manson first became public, she was already dealing with significant personal trauma of her own, at the time she said she lacked the emotional capacity to publicly weigh in, despite facing intense backlash for her silence.
“Yes, I was in my own massive battle when his kicked off. I was trying to stay alive and fight the masses and the power elite. I was confused when getting heat to comment and condemn, but didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with another crises. I will always stand with what is true,” she said.
Reconnecting with Manson
According to McGowan, she later reconnected with Manson and asked to review legal documents related to the accusations, she also confronted him about not being truthful when directly questioned about her experiences with Harvey Weinstein, something she said caused lasting hurt.
“Later we reconnected. I asked to read the legal files. I have a lot of experience with conspiracies as one who’s been targeted. Anyway, too much to go to in a comment. I wish everyone involved healing. It’s not my job to fight others battles,” she said.
“I asked MM why he didn’t tell the truth when directly asked about me telling him about HW. Told how profoundly it hurt me. All I can say is he’s apologized and his sobriety is good. If you want to hate, hate. I don’t. We exchange kind and supportive messages. Time can heal.”
When questioned by another viewer about her judgment regarding relationships with alleged abusers, McGowan responded bluntly: “I read the investigative files. You haven’t. That’s all.”
MORE IN Music
