Marilyn Manson And Evan Rachel Wood's Complete Relationship Timeline
The HBO documentary Phoenix Rising, which explores claims of the abuse of Evan Rachel Wood and several other women by shock rocker Marilyn Manson, debuts on March 15 and it’s already generating early buzz.
The documentary follows Evan and her relationship with Manson (real name: Brian Warner), along with her journey as an activist for victims of domestic violence. The film partially got its name from The Phoenix Act, which Evan lobbied for and helped turn into law in California in 2019. Under the act, the statute of limitations for domestic felonies was extended from three to five years.
Watching the trailer for the documentary, it’s only natural to wonder about Evan and Manson’s relationship and how it progressed. Here’s a look back.
2005: Evan and Manson meet
Evan, then 18, first met Manson in 2005 at the Chateau Marmont, when he was still married to Dita Von Teese. She told Elle that neither of them wanted to be at a party they were attending.
January 2007: The two go public with their relationship
At the time, Evan was 19 and Manson was 38. He had just finalized his divorce from Dita and Evan faced accusations that she was a factor in the end of Manson’s marriage. “You build immunity to that sort of thing, but I wasn’t used to negative feedback, so it got to me,” she told The Edit, per Us Weekly. “Then I got angry, and pushed away even more.”
“I thought I was in love,” she continued. “I wasn’t doing it to prove a point or be rebellious. I wanted to break a mold for sure—I knew I was edgier, more alternative, and weird. And [Manson] was just what I needed, because I felt really free with him. And that freedom was attractive.”
2008: Evan and Manson split
Rumors swirled over the couple having a fight over Evan’s brother, Ira, who lived with them.
“Manson and I both decided to take some time apart so we could concentrate on work. Someone used that opportunity to kick us while we were down and sell a completely false story,” Evan told People at the time. “Manson owns the house he lives in. My brother has never stayed there and the person that said such horrible things about Manson being ‘controlling’ and ’emotionally abusive’ is certainly no source ‘close’ to me. Manson has been by my side and taken care of me through the best and worst times. I love him as a person and as an artist. I will always be proud to have been a part of that.
2008: They get back together and split up again
Manson later told the Herald Sun, per Today, that he struggled during the breakup and obsessed over his ex. “Me being me at my best is what I need to be,” he said. “That really paid off because I’m back with Evan.”
December 2009: Evan and Manson get engaged
Manson proposed to Evan in Paris, and he reportedly popped the question while he was performing onstage. A source told E! that Manson bought a ring and a rose for Evan and the two were spotted cuddling backstage afterward.
2010: The couple calls off their engagement
Evan later told The Edit that she appreciated “everything he taught me." But, she added, "I just don’t think we were right for each other.”
2018: Evan Rachel Wood speaks before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee
Evan details her abuse at a hearing about the Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights Act. But doesn't name her abuser. "While I was tied up and being beaten and told unspeakable things, I truly felt like I could die. Not just because my abuser said to me, 'I could kill you right now,' but because in that moment I felt like I left my body and I was too afraid to run," she said.
February 2021: Evan comes forward with allegations of abuse. This time, she names Marilyn Manson
While Evan had spoken about being sexually assaulted and abused in the past, she had never publicly named her alleged abuser. That changed on February 1, 2021, with an Instagram post.
"The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson," she said. "He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission."
“I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail,” she continued. “I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives."
(Manson has denied the allegations.)
March 2022: Manson sues Evan
After more than a year of being silent on Instagram, Manson released a statement that read, “There will come a time when I can share more about the events of the past year. Until then, I’m going to let the facts speak for themselves.” He then directed people to a link in his bio that revealed he’s suing Evan over her allegations of abuse.
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