Actress Rose McGowan recently spoke out in defense of her former partner Marilyn Manson amid ongoing abuse allegations, sharing her perspective during an appearance on the We Need to Talk podcast.
In the interview, McGowan reflected on her past relationship with the musician and addressed the claims that have followed him in recent years.
“I ran away with the circus at that point. I described him [Marilyn Manson] in my book as one of the smartest, funniest people I’d known. Very gentle,” McGowan said. “And there’s so many people that were that I kind of recognized like people trying to um, destroy someone for being a freak and weird and unique. That I related to that and I put me on my like high defensive mechanism like I can protect him, you know.”
McGowan later offered additional insight when a fan asked whether she and Manson remain friends, explaining the personal circumstances that shaped her response as the allegations first surfaced.
“Yes, I was in my own massive battle when his kicked off. I was trying to stay alive and fight the masses and the power elite. I was confused when getting heat to comment and condemn, but didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with another crises. I will always stand with what is true,” she replied.
She went on to describe how the two eventually reconnected and discussed the situation in greater depth.
“Later we reconnected. I asked to read the legal files. I have a lot of experience with conspiracies as one who’s been targeted. Anyway, too much to go to in a comment. I wish everyone involved healing. It’s not my job to fight others battles,” McGowan continued. “I asked MM why he didn’t tell the truth when directly asked about me telling him about HW. Told how profoundly it hurt me. All I can say is he’s apologized and his sobriety is good. If you want to hate, hate. I don’t. We exchange kind and supportive messages. Time can heal.”
When another viewer questioned her judgment for maintaining ties with someone accused of abuse, McGowan responded bluntly. “I read the investigative files. You haven’t. That’s all,” she stated.
McGowan’s defense of Manson unfolds against a long and complicated personal history between the two. Their relationship dates back decades and has endured periods of distance, reconciliation, and public scrutiny. According to Wikipedia, McGowan and Manson were engaged from 1999 to 2001, a highly visible relationship during the height of Hollywood’s alternative culture. McGowan later cited “lifestyle differences” as the reason for ending the engagement.
Recent signs suggest the former couple have renewed their friendship after years apart. Marilyn Manson Uncanceled reported that McGowan recently refollowed Manson on Instagram, a move widely interpreted as a public signal of reconciliation. The gesture drew attention given both the seriousness of the allegations against Manson and McGowan’s own role as a prominent voice within the #MeToo movement.
The broader legal context surrounding Manson has also shifted in recent months. Marilyn Manson Uncanceled noted that Manson received a significant partial dismissal in the Bianca Allaine Kyne case, among other legal developments. These outcomes have fueled ongoing debate about the allegations and the evidence behind them, lending context to McGowan’s comments about reviewing investigative files.
McGowan’s appearance on We Need to Talk with Paul C. Brunson extended beyond her relationship with Manson, touching on her experiences in Hollywood and her personal battles within the entertainment industry. Her remarks about Manson form part of her wider, ongoing commentary on power, abuse, and accountability in the public sphere.
