Brazil's The Town Festival Defends Marilyn Manson Booking Amid Abuse Allegations

Key points

• The Town Festival organizers in Brazil stated they cannot condemn Manson without evidence of a criminal conviction, defending his inclusion in the tour lineup.
• Marilyn Manson is booked as a support act for Slipknot's 2027 stadium tour, specifically for the UK and South American legs, including shows at London's Wembley Stadium.
• The tour is produced by Live Nation and includes 19 dates across Europe, North America, and South America, with Bring Me the Horizon supporting the North American leg.
• Los Angeles prosecutors declined to bring criminal charges against Manson in 2025 after a four-year investigation, citing statute of limitations and insufficient evidence for sexual assault charges.
• Fan reactions are divided, with some boycotting shows in protest of Manson's presence, while others support the booking due to the overlapping fanbases of Slipknot and Manson.

Background

This controversy follows earlier announcements in September 2026 regarding Slipknot's 2027 stadium tour, which sparked significant backlash over the inclusion of Marilyn Manson as a support act. The tour, titled '(sic)est Stadium Tour,' kicks off at London's Wembley Stadium on July 3, 2027, with ticket presales beginning September 29, 2026. The debate over Manson's booking has reignited public discussion about accountability for artists facing abuse allegations but not criminally convicted, a theme that has emerged in other high-profile cases involving public figures in 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Consequence emphasizes the legal stance of The Town Festival organizers, highlighting their argument that Manson has not been convicted and therefore cannot be condemned without evidence. BBC focuses on the fan reaction, detailing the divided response among Slipknot's audience, with some fans boycotting shows in protest while others support the pairing due to the overlapping fanbases. Both outlets note the lack of criminal charges against Manson, but Consequence frames it as a legal defense by the festival, while BBC frames it as a point of contention for fans. The BBC also highlights the historical context of abuse allegations, including the 2021 claims by Evan Rachel Wood and the 2024 legal settlement, whereas Consequence focuses more on the current tour logistics and the festival's justification.

Why it matters

This story highlights the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and accountability for artists facing abuse allegations but not criminally convicted. The decision by major festivals and tour promoters to book controversial artists despite public backlash reflects broader debates in the music industry about the role of legal convictions versus public perception in booking decisions. The divided fan reaction also underscores the impact of such bookings on audience engagement and ticket sales, potentially influencing future tour strategies for artists with similar controversies.

What to watch

The next steps will likely involve monitoring ticket sales and fan reactions as the tour approaches, with general sales starting October 2, 2026. The Town Festival and Live Nation may face continued public scrutiny, and the outcome of the tour could influence how other festivals and promoters handle similar bookings in the future. Additionally, the legal status of Manson's case may remain a point of discussion, particularly if new evidence or allegations emerge.