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The Town Festival says Marilyn Manson will perform on its September 4, 2027, opening day in São Paulo, alongside Slipknot. Festival executive Zé Ricardo defended the booking, citing the absence of a conviction; allegations against Manson remain denied, and a former assistant’s civil lawsuit is scheduled for trial in November 2027.
Brazil’s The Town Festival is standing by its decision to book Marilyn Manson for its 2027 opening day in São Paulo, despite allegations of abuse by more than a dozen women and a civil lawsuit scheduled for trial. Rock World artistic vice president Zé Ricardo defended the choice in an interview with Folha de S.Paulo, saying Manson has not been convicted and that the festival cannot condemn someone without evidence.
Manson was announced for September 4, 2027, alongside Slipknot, which is also touring with him on the newly announced “(Sic)est Stadium Tour.” The tour is set to bring the bands to Argentina and Chile as well as Brazil. The Town appearance will be Manson’s first performance in Brazil in a decade.
Ricardo told Folha de S.Paulo that Manson was included as part of Slipknot’s touring package. He said Rock World, which also operates Rock in Rio, pays attention to artists’ conduct and has declined to book acts in cases the company considered concrete. He maintained that the festival should not condemn Manson without evidence.
More than a dozen women, including Evan Rachel Wood and Esmé Bianco, have accused Manson of sexual and psychological abuse and other misconduct. Manson has denied the allegations. Los Angeles prosecutors declined to file criminal charges in January 2025 after a four-year investigation, citing the statute of limitations for domestic violence allegations and insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
A Major Festival Defends Its Choice
The decision puts a high-profile Brazilian festival’s approach to performer bookings under scrutiny while allegations against Manson remain part of public discussion. The organizers’ defense centers on the absence of a criminal conviction, while a separate civil case remains active. Those are distinct matters: prosecutors’ decision not to bring criminal charges did not resolve the civil lawsuit.
The booking also places Manson on a major international tour with Slipknot, giving the allegations renewed attention as the bands prepare to play across South America. The Town’s stated position may matter to audiences, artists and other event organizers weighing how to respond to allegations when no criminal conviction has resulted. The source report does not indicate whether the festival has faced cancellations or changes to its plans.
From Earlier Bookings to São Paulo
The Town’s decision follows a separate controversy over Manson’s appearance at Mexico’s Feria Nacional Potosina a little over a year earlier. Calls were made to cancel that booking. San Luis Potosí Governor Ricardo Gallardo defended allowing Manson to perform, describing it as an act of “cultural justice.”
The legal history relevant to the current booking includes the Los Angeles prosecutors’ January 2025 decision. Their office cited legal and evidentiary limits in declining charges after investigating for four years. That decision did not establish that the allegations were false. Separately, Manson’s former assistant, Ashley Walters, brought a sexual assault lawsuit. The suit was revived earlier in 2026 and is scheduled for trial in November 2027, two months after the planned festival appearance.
““He’s someone who hasn’t been convicted; there’s nothing that has been proven.””
— Zé Ricardo, Rock World artistic vice president, speaking to Folha de S.Paulo
The Lawsuit Remains Pending
The Walters lawsuit has not yet gone to trial, and its outcome is unknown. The source report does not provide the full details of the revived case or Manson’s response to that specific lawsuit. The allegations from women who have accused Manson remain allegations; he has denied them.
It is also unclear whether The Town will change its lineup or booking position before September 2027. Ricardo defended the decision in the interview, but the report does not describe any further review, conditions on Manson’s appearance or response from the other people who have made allegations.
Tour Dates and Trial Ahead
The Town is scheduled to open on September 4, 2027, with Manson and Slipknot on the bill. Manson is also due to join Slipknot for tour dates in Argentina and Chile. The source material does not give additional dates or say whether the festival plans further announcements about the lineup.
The next major legal milestone identified in the report is the Walters lawsuit trial, currently scheduled for November 2027. Until then, the case remains unresolved, while The Town’s organizers have publicly defended the booking.
Key Questions
When is Marilyn Manson scheduled to perform at The Town?
He is scheduled to perform on September 4, 2027, the festival’s opening day in São Paulo.
Who is performing with Manson at The Town?
Slipknot was announced alongside Manson for the opening day. The two acts are also set to tour together in South America.
What did The Town say about the allegations?
Rock World artistic vice president Zé Ricardo defended the booking, saying Manson has not been convicted and that the company cannot condemn someone without evidence. Manson has denied the allegations.
Were criminal charges filed against Manson?
Los Angeles prosecutors declined to bring criminal charges in January 2025 after a four-year investigation. They cited the statute of limitations for domestic violence allegations and insufficient evidence to prove sexual assault charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
What is the status of Ashley Walters’ lawsuit?
The sexual assault lawsuit filed by Manson’s former assistant was revived earlier in 2026 and is scheduled for trial in November 2027. Its outcome is not yet known.
Source: rss
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