Earlier this year, when Evan Rachel Wood publicly named her former romantic partner Marilyn Manson as her alleged abuser, several women came forward to back up the accusations, including Manson's ex, Ashley Morgan Smithline (a.k.a. Ashley Lindsay Morgan). Now, Smithline has come forward with harrowing details of her own experience of abuse in a new interview.
The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.
In a lengthy cover story with People, Smithline has shared the gruesome details of Manson's alleged abusive behaviour, including accusations of rape, violent physical abuse, threats and confinement.
Smithline said Manson's cycle of abuse began shortly after they met in 2010. The actress alleged that their sexual relationship turned violent shortly after they began working on a film project together, explaining that she once woke up in his bed, screaming, realizing her arms were tied and that Manson was raping her.
"He kept telling me, 'You can't rape someone that you're in love with,'" Smithline recalled.
The actress said she also has a scar from an incident where Manson carved his initials into her thigh, and that he once broke her nose during a "rape struggle." After dropping down to only 80 pounds, Smithline recalled that Manson also cut her on her protruding ribs. She alleged that Manson coerced her into making a blood pact as well.
"He cut me on my stomach and then drank my blood. Then, he had me drink his," Smithline said. "The more I let him hurt me, the more I loved him and the more I was proving myself to him."
Further, Smithline explained that whenever she "pissed him off," Manson would lock her inside a glass, soundproof room he called the "bad girls' room."
She said she still suffers from night terrors, PTSD and OCD as a result of her experience with Manson, whom she left in 2013. Though in meeting with Manson's other alleged victims, Smithline said her "feelings of guilt and shame have lessened."
"I'm not a victim," she told People. "I'm a f—ing survivor. I want people to know who he is, and it's worth it if not one more woman gets hurt again."
Smithline is one of 15 women who have come forward with accusations against Manson. As previously reported, Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco — who accused the rocker of both rape and sexual battery — has filed a lawsuit against Manson and his former manager Tony Ciulla. The lawsuit details similar acts of violence, including cutting.
Back in February, Manson's former partner actress Bianca Allaine claimed she met with the FBI, and that the bureau has since launched an investigation into the multiple claims of abuse lodged against the artist.
As a result of the accusations, Manson has been dropped by his longtime manager, denounced by Trent Reznor and former bandmate Wes Borland, dropped by his label, and cut from upcoming TV appearances.
Manson has denied all claims of abuse, calling them "horrible distortions of reality."
The following article contains potentially triggering material relating to sexual assault and violence. If you believe you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct and are looking for support, consult the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime to find resources in your area.
In a lengthy cover story with People, Smithline has shared the gruesome details of Manson's alleged abusive behaviour, including accusations of rape, violent physical abuse, threats and confinement.
Smithline said Manson's cycle of abuse began shortly after they met in 2010. The actress alleged that their sexual relationship turned violent shortly after they began working on a film project together, explaining that she once woke up in his bed, screaming, realizing her arms were tied and that Manson was raping her.
"He kept telling me, 'You can't rape someone that you're in love with,'" Smithline recalled.
The actress said she also has a scar from an incident where Manson carved his initials into her thigh, and that he once broke her nose during a "rape struggle." After dropping down to only 80 pounds, Smithline recalled that Manson also cut her on her protruding ribs. She alleged that Manson coerced her into making a blood pact as well.
"He cut me on my stomach and then drank my blood. Then, he had me drink his," Smithline said. "The more I let him hurt me, the more I loved him and the more I was proving myself to him."
Further, Smithline explained that whenever she "pissed him off," Manson would lock her inside a glass, soundproof room he called the "bad girls' room."
She said she still suffers from night terrors, PTSD and OCD as a result of her experience with Manson, whom she left in 2013. Though in meeting with Manson's other alleged victims, Smithline said her "feelings of guilt and shame have lessened."
"I'm not a victim," she told People. "I'm a f—ing survivor. I want people to know who he is, and it's worth it if not one more woman gets hurt again."
Smithline is one of 15 women who have come forward with accusations against Manson. As previously reported, Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco — who accused the rocker of both rape and sexual battery — has filed a lawsuit against Manson and his former manager Tony Ciulla. The lawsuit details similar acts of violence, including cutting.
Back in February, Manson's former partner actress Bianca Allaine claimed she met with the FBI, and that the bureau has since launched an investigation into the multiple claims of abuse lodged against the artist.
As a result of the accusations, Manson has been dropped by his longtime manager, denounced by Trent Reznor and former bandmate Wes Borland, dropped by his label, and cut from upcoming TV appearances.
Manson has denied all claims of abuse, calling them "horrible distortions of reality."
