Marilyn Manson: Rock star fined for blowing nose on camera operator in 2019 concert
The woman who Manson blew his nose on during the New Hampshire concert said it was "the most disgusting thing a human being could have done".
Tuesday 19 September 2023 11:26, UK
Rock star Marilyn Manson has been fined and sentenced to 20 hours of community service after pleading no contest to blowing his nose on a camera operator during a concert.
The 54-year-old, who's real name is Brian Warner, appeared in court on Monday and was charged with two misdemeanour counts of simple assault following the incident during a 2019 concert in New Hampshire.
Manson pleaded no contest to the charge of nose-blowing, meaning he does not contest the charge, but does not admit guilt.
The plea was part of a deal that saw prosecutors agree to dismiss the other charge against the musician, which alleged that he spat on the camera operator.
He was fined just over $1,400 (£1,131) with $200 (£161) suspended, and needs to stay arrest-free while also notifying local police of any New Hampshire performances for two years.
During the New Hampshire concert, Manson approached the camera operator, Susan Fountain, put his face close to her camera and spat a "big lougee" at her, according to a police affidavit.
A police sergeant who reviewed the video footage said in the affidavit that Manson blew a "significant amount of mucus at Fountain", and that after the camera view changes, you can see Manson "point and laugh at Fountain as she gets down and walks away".
Ms Fountain said in a statement that the incident was "the most disgusting thing a human being could have done".
Manson initially pleaded not guilty to both charges in 2021, with the rock star's lawyer claiming the type of filming that Ms Fountain was doing at the concert commonly exposes videographers to "incidental contact" with bodily fluids.
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He'll serve his community service in California after the judge granted permission to do so, and Manson told reporters that for the punishment, he might choose to work with people in recovery.
The hit-artist rose to fame as a musical sensation in the mid-1990s, and while he's most commonly known for his hit albums, he has also been embroiled in public controversy.
Manson has faced multiple sexual assault allegations over the years, but most cases have been dismissed or settled, including a now-settled suit filed by Game Of Thrones actress Esme Bianco in 2021.