The opening date of Marilyn Manson’s One Assassination Under God tour in the UK has been cancelled, after mounting pressure from campaigners and a local Member of Parliament. The show had been scheduled to take place at the Brighton Centre on 29 October, but ticketing platform Ticketmaster has now updated its website to say: “This event has been cancelled. Ticket sales have stopped, but there may be tickets available for other dates.”
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In January, US prosecutors announced they would not proceed with charges against Manson – real name Brian Warner – following a prolonged investigation into allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the claims were too historic under existing laws and that the available evidence was insufficient to pursue prosecution. The LA County Sheriff’s Department had launched the investigation in 2021, focusing on incidents alleged to have occurred between 2009 and 2011 in West Hollywood.
Earlier this month, Sian Berry, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, wrote an open letter to Brighton and Hove City Council Leader Bella Sankey urging the cancellation of the concert. The letter was co-signed by various victim support organisations and the University of Sussex Students’ Union. Berry argued that the concert’s presence could have a damaging psychological impact on survivors and may negatively affect the wider community and local residents.
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The open letter, shared widely online, triggered a mixed public response. Some pointed out that Manson has not been found guilty of any criminal offence and that the four-year investigation had not led to charges. Others criticised the call for cancellation as a form of censorship, expressing concern over the implications for artistic freedom and due process.
