Who is Marilyn Manson dating? Dita Von Teese to Evan Rachel Woods, a look at his tumultuous love life
Marilyn Manson, one of the most controversial figures in contemporary popular music, has been involved in a number of high-profile relationships throughout his career. The 'Sweet Dreams' hitmaker, who is all set to release his 11th studio album 'We Are Chaos' on September 11, 2020, has courted many controversies, both music related and otherwise. Here's a look at the shock rocker's love life and past relationships.
Early Years
Before achieving success as a global multi-platinum rock star, Manson, born Brian Hugh Warner, was in a relationship with Michele Greenberg. It was the end of his first serious relationship that motivated Manson to chase fame through his music. Later, from 1992 to 1997, Manson dated Melissa Romero. The relationship lasted throughout the recording and production of his 1996 sophomore album 'The Antichrist Superstar'. After his break-up with Romero, Manson was linked to adult actresses Traci Lords and Jenna Jameson. Jameson later wrote about her relationship with Manson in her autobiography 'How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale'.
Rose McGowan
Manson's first high-profile relationship was in late 1997 when he began dating actress Rose McGowan. Known for her roles in television shows such as 'Charmed' and 'The Doom Generation', McGowan and Manson were in a highly public relationship for almost four years, from 1997 to 2000. The couple, who got engaged in 1998, made several controversial appearances at public events such as the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards where McGowan's mesh dress attracted much attention and went on to become one of the most iconic and controversial outfits in the history of VMAs. In 2000, McGowan ended her relationship with Manson and called off their engagement citing "lifestyle differences".
Dita Von Teese
One of Manson's most significant relationship was with burlesque dancer and popular pin-up model Dita Von Teese. Manson, who already was Teese's fan, asked her to feature in one of his music videos but was unable to make it happen. Later, when the two reconnected in 2001, Manson and Teese started dating. The singer even photographed Teese for the December 2002 issue of 'Playboy' magazine.
'The Beautiful People' singer proposed to Teese in March 2004 and in November 2005 the couple got married in a private ceremony. The pictures from the wedding appeared in the March 2006 edition of 'Vogue' magazine. Later, in December 2006, Dita filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason. To cope with the pain of the divorce, Manson penned down and recorded the song 'Putting Holes in Happiness' for his 2007 album 'Eat Me, Drink Me'. In January 2007, when news of Manson and Teese's divorce became public, it was revealed that the reason was Manson's affair with an 18-year-old actress.
Evan Rachel Wood
Following his divorce, Manson started a long on-again-off-again relationship with 19-year-old Evan Rachel Wood — his co-star in the movie 'Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll'. Wood also featured in the music video for his 2007 hit single 'Heart-Shaped Glasses'.
By April 2007, Wood admitted to her relationship with Manson, bringing increased media attention towards the new couple. Wood and Manson were often pictured together at various events. The high-profile relationship, which survived for two-years during its first stint, came to an abrupt end in November 2007 with neither of the two publicly acknowledging the break-up.
In December 2008, Manson was seen with model Isani Griffith. It was then rumored that Manson and Griffith had been dating ever since the rocker's break-up with Wood. After Griffith, Manson then started dating adult actress and model Stoya.
Then in 2009, Wood and Manson again began dating. Manson even proposed to Wood on-stage in December 2009 in Paris during his 'The High End of Low' world tour. However, Manson and Wood separated for good in August 2010.
In 2019, Wood testified in front of California state senators to create the Phoenix Act. In the leaked video, the transcript of which can be read here, Wood detailed an abusive relationship she was in when she was 18 years old. The public believed this to be Wood's testimony against Manson, who was 36 at the time.
Taking about the man she started dating when she was an 18-year-old, Wood said, "He had a certain charisma and power over everyone he came in contact with, and I quickly surrendered to his charms. In the beginning, he treated me like a princess. I saw his temper directed at other people, but I wrote it off to him just being complicated and misunderstood. I felt bad for him. I never thought he would hurt me. I trusted him completely. He was my mentor, my savior, and my best friend. He would tell me, 'it was us against the world,' and I believed him. I thought I had fallen deeply in love and I thought it was my duty to keep my partner happy at all costs."
Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Arquette was the one of the prominent celebrities who named Manson and tweeted, "Marilyn Manson Cutting himself 158 x's when he called Evan Rachel Wood after breakup it's not love, it's abuse..."
Marilyn Manson Cutting himself 158 x's when he called Evan Rachel Wood after breakup it's not ❤️ it's abuse.. @SPIN
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) March 1, 2018
In March 2016, Wood spoke positively about Manson in a Rolling Stone interview saying, "I met somebody that promised freedom and expression and no judgments... And I was craving danger and excitement. I looked at my mother one day and said, 'Mom, I’m gonna get on this tour bus for eight months and see the world and have a crazy journey and find myself, and if people aren’t OK with that, I’m sorry, but I can’t live my life for other people.'"
Lindsay Usich
After his final break-up with Wood, Manson started dating Los Angeles-based photographer and fashion model Lindsay Usich. The couple was first seen together in August 2010 not long after his break-up. The two have also been seen together on tour and numerous award ceremonies since then. Later, Usich was referred to as Manson's 'girlfriend' in the media. His most low-profile relationship yet, Manson and Usich remained largely under the radar while dating for almost five years. Usich was also credited as the photographer for the cover and inside photos of Manson's eighth album, 2012's 'Born Villain'. The couple broke up briefly in 2015, but have resumed their relationship since then.