Billy Corgan Explains His Continued Friendship With Marilyn Manson
Billy Corgan discussed his friendship with Marilyn Manson on The New York Times Popcast, saying his Christian faith leads him to support friends while still forming his own judgments. Corgan said he did not believe Manson was guilty of the allegations and noted that the district attorney examined the case for years without filing charges. Manson has denied the claims, and Los Angeles prosecutors declined to charge him in January 2025, citing the statute of limitations and evidentiary problems.
Corgan spoke on the New York Times Popcast about why he has kept the friendship, saying his Christian beliefs call him to support friends without surrendering his own judgment. He said he had private knowledge of the matter and did not think Manson was guilty of the accusations.
Corgan and Manson have known each other for decades, though their relationship cooled before they reunited for a 2015 tour. Manson’s wife is the twin sister of James Iha’s wife. In January 2025, Los Angeles prosecutors declined charges after a four-year review, citing time limits and proof problems; Manson has denied all claims.
The story could shape public discussion about how celebrities respond when friends face abuse allegations, potentially affecting survivors who may see such support as discouraging or as a reminder of evidentiary hurdles. It may also influence how fans and industry figures weigh loyalty against accountability, and could affect the reputations of both musicians. Because prosecutors declined charges, the piece may reinforce debates over legal limits versus personal judgment, though it does not resolve the underlying allegations.