CONCORD, NH (AP) — Marilyn Manson won’t contest blowing his nose on a videographer at a 2019 concert in New Hampshire, according to a filing filed by his attorney.
The rocker, whose legal name is Brian Warner, was charged with two counts of common assault stemming from the encounter at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford on August 19, 2019.
A notice of intent filed Monday says Manson should not contest a single charge and prosecutors would dismiss the other as part of the fully negotiated plea. A no-contest plea means Manson will not contest the charge or admit guilt.
Manson would face a fine of $1,200, part of which is suspended, and 20 hours of community service within six months. Manson is also expected to remain without arrest and notify local police of any performance in New Hampshire for two years.
A judge is expected to accept the plea, which is expected to be entered in Belknap County Superior Court Thursday. This replaces a final preliminary hearing that was scheduled ahead of his scheduled August 7 trial.
It’s unclear whether Manson would be required to be in court or be allowed to participate via video. His attorney, Kent Barker, said Tuesday that would be up to the judge to decide.
According to a police affidavit, Manson approached videographer Susan Fountain in the venue’s stage pit, put his face close to her camera and spat a “big loogee” at her. She was hit on both hands with saliva. He is also accused of approaching her a second time, blowing his nose on her arm and hands.
Prosecutors planned to dismiss the charge stemming from the first encounter, according to the notice.
Manson initially pleaded not guilty in 2021. His attorney said at the time that the type of filming Fountain does typically exposes videographers to “accidental contact” with bodily fluids.
“Defendant’s performance over the past twenty years is well known for including shocking and evocative antics similar to those that have occurred here,” Barker wrote. “The alleged victim has consented to exposure to potential contact with nearby sweat, saliva and phlegm.”
Barker had also said that Manson planned to argue that any contact related to spitting or sneezing was unintentional.
If Manson had been tried on the charges, each could have resulted in a jail term of less than a year and a $2,000 fine if convicted.
Manson has also faced abuse charges unrelated to the New Hampshire allegation in recent years. He denied wrongdoing.
In May, a California judge dismissed key sections of Manson’s lawsuit against his former fiancée, “Westworld” actor Evan Rachel Wood, saying she fabricated public allegations that he sexually assaulted her and physically during their relationship and had encouraged other women to do the same.
Manson’s lawsuit, filed last year, alleges that Wood and another woman named as a defendant, Illma Gore, defamed Manson, intentionally caused him emotional distress and derailed his career in music, television and acting. movie theater.
Several women have sued Manson in recent years with allegations of sexual and other abuse. Most have been dismissed or settled, including a lawsuit filed by “Game of Thrones” actor Esme Bianco.
The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly.