Shock rocker Marilyn Manson has decided to withdraw his lawsuit against his ex-fiancée, Westworld actress Evan Rachel Wood, and will cover her legal expenses. This development comes 18 months after a Los Angeles County judge dismissed significant portions of Manson's 2022 lawsuit, in which he, legally known as Brian Warner, accused Wood of fabricating public claims that he sexually and physically abused her during their relationship and incited other women to make similar allegations.

"After four years of battling to tell his side of the story, Brian is content to dismiss his remaining claims and appeal to bring this chapter of his life to a close," Manson's attorney Howard King stated.

Manson had been contesting the judge's ruling but initiated discussions with Wood's legal team for a settlement earlier this year. Wood's attorneys disclosed on Tuesday that she refused to keep the terms of the settlement confidential.

Manson's lawsuit against Wood was deemed a "publicity stunt" aimed at discrediting his numerous accusers and reviving his waning career, according to Wood's lawyer Michael J. Kump. "His attempt to silence and intimidate Ms. Wood was unsuccessful," Kump added.

Manson has agreed to pay nearly $327,000 in attorney fees for Wood. This settlement arrives nearly four years into a criminal investigation involving multiple women against the 55-year-old Manson, which remains unresolved. Outgoing LA County District Attorney George Gascón revealed in October that new evidence had been uncovered by the sex crimes division, and a decision on charges would be made once the full picture emerged.

The identities of the women involved in the criminal case have not been disclosed, but Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco has claimed to be among them, criticizing the district attorney for the prolonged investigation. Bianco settled her own lawsuit against Manson last year.

Manson has consistently denied any non-consensual sexual conduct. In 2017, as the #MeToo movement gained traction, Wood publicly disclosed that she had been raped and abused, testifying before a Congressional committee in 2018 without naming any individuals. In a 2020 Instagram post, Wood explicitly accused Manson of "horrifically abusing me for years." The couple went public with their relationship in 2007 and were briefly engaged in 2010 before their split.

Manson's initial lawsuit claimed that Wood and another woman, Ashley Gore (also known as Illma Gore in court documents), had defamed him, intentionally caused him emotional distress, and hindered his career in music, TV, and film. The suit alleged that they used deceitful tactics, including a fabricated FBI letter, to persuade other women to come forward with abuse allegations and coached them on their statements. During their relationship, Wood had only positive things to say about Manson, according to the lawsuit.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Teresa A. Beaudet dismissed parts of the suit related to the disputed FBI letter, which Wood denied creating. Beaudet also removed a section alleging that Wood and Gore used a checklist on an iPad to guide other women in making abuse claims against Manson. Other parts of the lawsuit remained as they were not covered by Wood's motion, including allegations that Gore hacked Manson's email, phone, and social media accounts, created a fake email to frame him for sending illegal pornography, and orchestrated a "swatting" prank on him.

Gore's portion of the lawsuit was dismissed, and Manson paid $130,000 in her attorney fees.

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