Channel 4 has commissioned a three-part documentary series on the recent allegations surrounding Marilyn Manson, with the working title Marilyn Manson: Behind the Mask.
Real name Brian Warner, the rock star has courted controversy as far back as the 1990s, and has more recently been accused of sexual assault. Each hour-long episode will draw from access to a range of insiders, including lawyers, a former bandmate, a childhood best friend and Warner’s accusers.
The programme, currently in production with an hour-long format, is being made for Channel 4 by Lightbox and Rolling Stone Films. The magazine Rolling Stone published an article in November 2021 levelling allegations of abuse from multiple women.
That February, Warner had already been accused of sexual assault by several women. Within 24 hours of these allegations coming to light, he was dropped by his manager, agent and record company. Warner has denied all accusations of sexual assault and abuse.
The documentary follows Warner all the way from childhood to worldwide fame to the recent accusations.
Marilyn Manson: Behind the Mask is directed by Karen McGann, and co-financed by Channel 4 and FIFTH SEASON.
“Marilyn Manson: Behind the Mask tells the definitive story of the controversy surrounding the star, charting his career from its early days through to his being dropped by his manager, agent and record label as a result of the allegations made against him,” said Suzanne Lavery, Senior Vice President of Unscripted for Lightbox. “In first hand testimony, we hear intimate accounts from his accusers, as well as those who robustly refute their allegations.”
“Rolling Stone broke the story about Marilyn Manson’s alleged abuse and this series takes a step back to explore those allegations in the wider context of Manson’s career,” added Gus Wenner, CEO of Rolling Stone. A broadcast date is yet to be announced.