By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Heavy metal band Slipknot have announced a new world tour, but the inclusion of Marilyn Manson as one of the supporting acts has sparked strong reactions among fans.

Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, is scheduled to join Slipknot for their show at London’s Wembley Stadium, as well as several dates during the band’s South American tour.

Metalcore group Hatebreed will also appear on the bill for the London concerts.

While many Slipknot fans welcomed the tour announcement and expressed excitement about the supporting acts, others criticised the decision to include Manson because of abuse allegations that have been made against him in recent years.

One fan responding to the tour announcement said they would have liked to attend but did not want their money going towards Manson. Another described the decision to include him as “such a disappointment” and said they would not be attending the show.

The reaction has not been entirely negative, however. Some fans defended the choice, pointing to the musical history and overlapping audiences of Slipknot and Manson. One supporter described Manson as a suitable addition to the tour and said the two artists share a large fanbase.

Manson has consistently denied allegations of abuse made against him.

The controversy surrounding the musician dates back several years. In 2021, actress Evan Rachel Wood publicly accused Manson of abuse and alleged that he had manipulated and mistreated her during their relationship.

Wood and Manson had been in a relationship for several years after beginning their romance in 2007.

Following Wood’s allegations, several other women also made accusations against Manson on social media.

Manson rejected the allegations, describing them as “horrible distortions of reality” and maintaining that his intimate relationships had been consensual.

Wood later discussed her allegations in the 2022 documentary series Phoenix Rising, which examined her experiences and her decision to speak publicly about them.

Manson subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Wood and another woman, accusing them of, among other things, impersonating FBI agents and fabricating federal documents. Some of his claims were dismissed by a judge, and the case was eventually settled in 2024. As part of the settlement, Manson agreed to pay Wood’s legal fees.

The allegations also led to a criminal investigation in Los Angeles involving claims of domestic abuse and sexual assault made by multiple women.

In 2025, Los Angeles prosecutors announced that Manson would not face criminal charges following a four-year investigation.

Prosecutors said some of the domestic abuse allegations could no longer be pursued because they fell outside the statute of limitations. They also said there was insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Despite the decision not to bring criminal charges, the allegations have continued to influence public discussion surrounding Manson’s performances.

His appearance on Slipknot’s upcoming tour has therefore created a split among fans, with some focusing on the opportunity to see two major names from the heavy metal and alternative music scene together, while others have said they are uncomfortable supporting an event featuring Manson.

Slipknot are known for their theatrical live performances and distinctive masks, and the group has built a large international following since forming in Iowa in the 1990s.

The band is expected to perform at Wembley Stadium as part of the new tour, with Manson and Hatebreed among the announced supporting acts.

Representatives for Marilyn Manson and concert promoter Live Nation UK have been approached for comment on the reaction to his inclusion in the lineup.