Corgan Justifies Manson Ties via Family Bonds and DA Decision Amid Popcast Criticism
Billy Corgan defended his ongoing friendship with Marilyn Manson during a New York Times Popcast interview, citing a 30-year relationship, family ties through James Iha, and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s decision not to pursue charges. Corgan also criticized the 'hipster writer class' for shifting alternative music standards and compared his public persona to Kanye West.
Key points
- Corgan stated he personally did not believe Manson was guilty of the charges, noting the DA investigated for five years before dropping the case.
- He highlighted that Manson’s wife is a twin of James Iha’s wife, making Manson part of the Pumpkins' family circle.
- Corgan expressed resentment toward critics, specifically mentioning Pitchfork, for abandoning 'alternative' ethos in favor of pop stars like Rihanna.
- The Smashing Pumpkins are currently touring arenas for the 30th anniversary of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
- Corgan compared his strategy of provoking public debate to Kanye West’s approach, suggesting West may have been influenced by him.
Background
This interview follows recent controversy surrounding Marilyn Manson’s booking as a support act for Slipknot’s 2027 stadium tour, which sparked fan backlash due to past abuse allegations. In January 2025, Los Angeles prosecutors declined to charge Manson, citing statute of limitations issues. A civil case brought by former assistant Ashley Walters was revived in 2026 under new California laws, though Manson denies all allegations.
How outlets are covering it
Stereogum emphasizes Corgan’s combative stance against critics and his comparison to Kanye West, framing the interview as a clash between an artist and the 'hipster writer class.' Consequence of Sound focuses on the legal and familial aspects of the defense, noting the 15-year falling out and subsequent reconciliation. NME highlights the broader context of abuse allegations, including Evan Rachel Wood’s claims and the revived civil lawsuit, while noting Corgan’s denial of guilt. All sources agree on the core facts of the Popcast appearance but differ in emphasis: Stereogum on cultural criticism, Consequence on the personal relationship, and NME on the legal backdrop.
Why it matters
The statement reinforces the tension between legacy rock figures and modern media narratives, while highlighting how personal and familial ties can influence public support for controversial figures despite unresolved legal and ethical questions.
What to watch
The Smashing Pumpkins will continue their fall tour, and Manson will perform at the Sick New World festival in Fort Worth, Texas, this Saturday. The revived civil case against Manson will proceed under California’s extended statute of limitations.
- Billy Corgan Defends Friendship With Marilyn Manson, Compares Himself To Kanye West, And Explains Resentment Toward "The Hipster Writer Class" Stereogum
- Billy Corgan Defends Marilyn Manson Friendship amid Sexual Assault Allegations: I ‘Didn’t Feel That He Was Guilty’ People.com
- 'I Don’t Want the World to Tell Me Who My Friends Are' - Billy Corgan Defends Friendship With Marilyn Manson Loudwire
- Billy Corgan Defends Friendship with Marilyn Manson: “I Personally Didn’t Feel That He Was Guilty” Consequence of Sound
- Billy Corgan defends his friendship with Marilyn Manson: “I personally didn’t feel that he was guilty” NME
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