Marilyn Manson’s Controversial Appearance
“Shame on you for putting Marilyn Manson on the runway! Not in 2026! Not on International Women’s Day!” This statement from a critic encapsulates the backlash against the musician’s recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week.
On March 9, 2026, Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner, walked the runway during the Fall/Winter 2026 show for the brand Enfants Riches Déprimés. This event coincided with International Women’s Day, a timing that many found particularly provocative given Manson’s history.
Just weeks before his runway debut, an LA judge reopened a sexual assault case against Manson, originally filed in May 2021 by a former assistant. The lawsuit had been dismissed in December 2021 due to exceeding the statute of limitations, but was reinstated under a new law allowing older sexual assault cases to be heard in court.
Judge Steve Cochran stated, “I looked at this closely. I do think the statute revives the claim.” This remark highlights the legal complexities surrounding Manson’s ongoing controversies.
Over the years, Manson has faced multiple accusations of sexual abuse and assault from several women, with 13 women coming forward with allegations of rape, coercion, abuse, and manipulation. Critics have pointed out that Manson’s previous legal troubles allowed him to evade accountability until now.
The backlash against Manson’s runway appearance was swift, with many questioning the responsibilities of brands like Enfants Riches Déprimés in selecting public figures for their events. Critics noted, “Someone who deliberately chooses to bring up Marilyn Manson on Women’s Day deserves absolutely no respect.”
Enfants Riches Déprimés has a history of engaging with controversial figures, which raises further questions about the brand’s values and the message it sends by featuring Manson.
As the conversation surrounding accountability in the fashion industry continues, Manson’s case serves as a focal point for discussions about the implications of celebrity culture and the treatment of allegations of sexual misconduct.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps in the reopened lawsuit, but Manson’s legal team has expressed confidence, claiming that the lawsuit will fail and asserting that he never committed any sexual assault.
As the situation develops, the intersection of fashion, celebrity, and accountability remains a contentious topic, particularly in light of Manson’s recent runway appearance.