On May 9, 2023, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Teresa A. Beaudet granted in full the anti-SLAPP motion filed by the KHIKS team of Michael Kump, Shawn Holley, and Katherine Kleindienst on behalf of actress and activist Evan Rachel Wood. Shock rocker Marilyn Manson (aka Brian Warner) sued Ms. Wood for defamation and infliction of emotional distress after she exercised her First Amendment rights by describing the sexual abuse and domestic violence he inflicted on her during their prior relationship which started when she was 18 years old. KHIKS filed the anti-SLAPP motion on the grounds that the alleged acts by Ms. Wood are protected by California’s anti-SLAPP law, which is designed to protect individuals who speak out on matters of public interest. Ms. Wood is well-known for her advocacy on behalf of domestic violence survivors, including testifying before the U.S. Congress and California legislature, as featured in the HBO documentary “Phoenix Rising.” In a 30-page written ruling, Judge Beaudet found that the allegations at issue in Manson’s complaint are matters of public interest, and that Manson failed to prove that his claims against Ms. Wood have even minimal merit. Under anti-SLAPP law, Ms. Wood now has the right to recover her attorneys’ fees from Manson. To view a copy of the Judge’s ruling, click “Download PDF.” Coverage of the win can be found here on Deadline.
