Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, has been sentenced to 20 hours of community service after pleading “no contest” to charges brought by videographer Susan Fountain. She alleged that Manson spat on her and blew his nose on her during one of his concerts in 2019.
Susan Fountain’s company, Metronome Media, had been contracted to work at Manson’s concert in New Hampshire on August 19, 2019. According to a police investigator who reviewed concert footage, Manson approached Susan in the stage pit area. He reportedly put his face close to her camera and spat a significant amount of saliva, covering both of her hands. Manson then allegedly returned a second time, covering one nostril, and blew a substantial amount of mucus in Susan’s direction. The footage also shows Manson pointing and laughing at Susan as she walked away. Susan had to wash her arms and hands in the restroom after the incident due to being covered in Manson’s bodily fluids.
In 2019, New Hampshire police issued an arrest warrant for Manson, and he surrendered himself to Los Angeles police in July 2021. Initially, Manson pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of simple assault, with his lawyer arguing that videographers at his shows often experience “incidental contact” with bodily fluids.
Had the case gone to trial, Manson could have faced prison time and a $2,000 fine. However, he changed his plea to “no contest,” which indicates that he is not contesting the charge but is not admitting guilt.
During his recent court appearance, Manson confirmed his name and acknowledged the sentence. In addition to the community service, which he will perform in California, Manson has been ordered to pay $1,400 in fines for the misdemeanor and must notify local police of any future New Hampshire concerts for the next two years.
In a victim statement, Susan Fountain expressed feeling humiliated by the incident, labeling Manson’s actions as “the most disgusting thing a human being has ever done.” She hoped that the sentence would make Manson reconsider such behavior in the future.
This incident adds to Marilyn Manson’s legal troubles, including lawsuits by several women alleging sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Many of these cases have either been settled or dismissed.