The opening concert of Marilyn Manson's 2025 U.K. tour, scheduled for October 29 in Brighton, England, has been canceled following widespread backlash.
The decision came after protests from the online campaign group No Stage for Abusers and public statements from Green Party MP Siân Berry.
The Guardian reported that the group urged the Brighton Centre and Brighton and Hove City Council to stop the event. MP Berry also sent an open letter to Council Leader Bella Sankey, co-signed by several organizations including the University of Sussex students' union.
In the letter, Berry stated that hosting the concert would violate the city’s well-renowned values and allow the council to benefit financially from an artist surrounded by serious allegations. She warned of safeguarding risks, especially since the concert allowed entry to those as young as 14.
Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, has been accused of sexual assault, grooming, and domestic violence. Although U.S. prosecutors determined the cases fall outside the statute of limitations, Berry emphasized this does not eliminate concerns about potential risks.
Berry’s letter referenced multiple relevant policies and acknowledged the bravery of the women who came forward. She also noted that in both the U.S. and the U.K., most perpetrators of sexual violence are not prosecuted.
While affirming the importance of freedom of expression, Berry argued it must be balanced against community safety and ethical responsibility.
The Brighton concert was set to be the opening night of Manson’s U.K. tour supporting his 2024 album One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, following a U.S. leg beginning in July 2025.
The decision came after protests from the online campaign group No Stage for Abusers and public statements from Green Party MP Siân Berry.
The Guardian reported that the group urged the Brighton Centre and Brighton and Hove City Council to stop the event. MP Berry also sent an open letter to Council Leader Bella Sankey, co-signed by several organizations including the University of Sussex students' union.
In the letter, Berry stated that hosting the concert would violate the city’s well-renowned values and allow the council to benefit financially from an artist surrounded by serious allegations. She warned of safeguarding risks, especially since the concert allowed entry to those as young as 14.
Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, has been accused of sexual assault, grooming, and domestic violence. Although U.S. prosecutors determined the cases fall outside the statute of limitations, Berry emphasized this does not eliminate concerns about potential risks.
Berry’s letter referenced multiple relevant policies and acknowledged the bravery of the women who came forward. She also noted that in both the U.S. and the U.K., most perpetrators of sexual violence are not prosecuted.
While affirming the importance of freedom of expression, Berry argued it must be balanced against community safety and ethical responsibility.
The Brighton concert was set to be the opening night of Manson’s U.K. tour supporting his 2024 album One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1, following a U.S. leg beginning in July 2025.
