Channel 4 Unveils Documentary “Marilyn Manson: Unmasked,” Examining His Rise and Abuse Allegations

New Documentary on Marilyn Manson

Channel 4 has revealed information about an upcoming documentary centered on Marilyn Manson, focusing on his ascendance to fame and the allegations of abuse against him.

The documentary is comprised of three episodes and seeks to illustrate the journey of the controversial musician as well as the recent abuse allegations that have surfaced.

A press release stated that it aims to “unveil the astonishing story of one of rock music’s most polarizing figures.” It will cover his rapid rise as a self-styled “anti-Christ superstar,” juxtaposed with the disturbing allegations of abuse that have overshadowed his career.”

Featuring archival footage along with interviews from people familiar with Manson, the documentary promises to “delve deeply into Manson’s world to distinguish fact from fiction.”

Episode Highlights and Allegations

The premiere episode focuses on the artist, known as Brian Warner, who created the Marilyn Manson persona and broke into the Florida alternative rock scene during the ’90s. This segment will highlight his stage performance, his provocative image, and his influence on American youth.

The subsequent episode investigates several allegations that have emerged recently, including interviews with his ex-partner Evan Rachel Wood. In 2021, the Westworld actress publicly accused Manson of abuse, asserting that he began grooming her as a teenager and “horrifically abused me for years.”

Manson has consistently denied Wood’s allegations and filed a lawsuit against her the following year, claiming that she “recruited, coordinated and pressured” other women into making false statements. Wood remarked at the time that she was “not scared” by Manson’s libel suit, maintaining that “it’s part of the retribution that keeps survivors silent.” The core claims in the case were dismissed in May 2023, and Manson withdrew his defamation suit against Wood in November.

The final episode of the Channel 4 documentary examines the aftermath of the allegations and their repercussions for the music industry. It also explores other accusations against Manson and the police raids that ensued.

Marilyn Manson: Without Mask is set to air on Channel 4 from Monday, January 13, to Wednesday, January 15. Be sure to check out the official trailer above, featuring archival footage and interview snippets with Wood.

In addition to Evan Rachel Wood, Game of Thrones star Esme Bianco has also come forward with allegations against Warner.

In 2021, Bianco publicly leveled her allegations against Warner, claiming that the abuse she faced (which occurred between 2009 and 2011) made her feel “like a prisoner.” Months later, the actress filed a lawsuit against Warner and his company, Marilyn Manson Records, Inc.

The lawsuit included claims of sexual assault, physical abuse, and human trafficking. Warner refuted these allegations, describing them as “terrible distortions of reality.” In January 2023, the lawsuit was dismissed, and both parties reached an out-of-court settlement, the specifics of which remain undisclosed.

Last year, Bianco expressed her discontent with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, criticizing what she labeled a “wrong” rape charge against Warner.

She described the four years of waiting for prosecutors to determine the charges as “absolute agony,” mentioning that she often had to “haunt” the district attorney’s office for updates. In October 2024, Gascón announced that the investigation regarding the musician was being reassessed by the sexual crimes unit.