(Laconia) Marilyn Manson was sentenced to 20 hours of community service and fined on Monday after pleading “no contest” for allegedly blowing his nose at a cameraman during a 2019 concert in New York, Hampshire.
Posted yesterday at 12:41 pm
Kathy Mccormack and Patrick Whittle Associated Press
The 54-year-old rocker wanted to appear by video at his hearing on the misdemeanor charge, but the judge demanded that he be in the courtroom in Laconia, nearly 30 miles from Concord, the state capital.
Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault stemming from the encounter with the cameraman at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford on August 19, 2019.
Manson pleaded no contest to a charge of blowing his nose as part of a fully negotiated plea deal with prosecutors. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the other charge: spitting on the cameraman. A no contest plea (or nolo contendere) means that Manson does not contest the charge or admit guilt.
Manson was fined just over $1,400 as part of the deal, with $200 suspended. For two years, he must not be arrested or notify local police of any actions in New Hampshire.
The judge agreed to allow Manson to perform his community service in California. He mentioned to reporters that he might choose to work with people in recovery. Manson must present evidence of his community service by February 4.
According to a police affidavit, Manson approached cameraman Susan Fountain, put her face close to the camera and spit on her. Saliva stained both of his hands. He approached her again later, kneeling over her and covering one nostril before blowing his nose into her arms and hands.
METERme Fountain said in a statement that it was “the most disgusting thing a human being could have done.”
On Monday, Manson walked through the courthouse’s main entrance and through security. He was wearing a head-to-toe black suit and dark sunglasses. Security called him “Mr. Warner” and he identified himself in court as “Brian Warner,” using a soft voice.
He only answered “yes” to the judge’s questions asking him if he understood the procedure, and made no statement. Prosecutor Andrew Livernois said it was his first offense and he had no criminal record.
METERme Fountain was not present in court.
Manson initially pleaded not guilty to both charges in 2021. He was scheduled to stand trial in August. His lawyer had stated that the type of filming he was doing Mme The source typically exposed cameramen to “accidental contact” with bodily fluids.
Several women have sued Manson in recent years over allegations of sexual and other assaults. Most were dismissed or settled, including a lawsuit filed by the actress. game of Thrones Esmé Bianco.
