**Marilyn Manson’s UK Tour Opener at Brighton Centre Cancelled Amidst Protests**
A high-profile concert by controversial rock artist Marilyn Manson has been called off following significant public objection, including interventions by campaigners and local politicians. The Brighton Centre was due to host the first date of Manson’s “One Assassination Under God” tour on 29 October, but confirmation arrived over the weekend that the event will no longer proceed.
Ticket holders visiting the Ticketmaster website were greeted with the message, “This event has been cancelled,” halting all ticket sales for the Brighton show. The online platform did, however, indicate that tickets for other UK dates might still be available, though the fate of the remainder of the tour remains unclear.
The cancellation follows a sustained campaign led by a collection of victim support groups and activists, culminating in a formal appeal by Sian Berry, Member of Parliament for Brighton Pavilion. In an open letter addressed to Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, Berry called on the council to reconsider the appropriateness of hosting Manson, drawing attention to the concerns of local survivors of abuse and their supporters.
The letter, which was notably co-signed by the University of Sussex students’ union and other campaign groups, emphasised that the presence of Manson in Brighton could have a “wider impact” on both visitors and residents given the allegations that have surrounded him. “Many survivors in Brighton and Hove, and organisations supporting them, will have serious concerns about this booking and its wider impact on other people visiting the city centre, local residents, and the wider community,” Berry wrote.
Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, has faced a series of high-profile allegations of sexual violence and domestic abuse over the past several years. Los Angeles County authorities undertook a lengthy investigation into alleged incidents that reportedly occurred in West Hollywood between 2009 and 2011. However, prosecutors eventually concluded in January that the allegations were too old to prosecute under US law, citing insufficient evidence to bring formal criminal charges against the 56-year-old singer.
Public reaction to the cancellation has been deeply divided. While some groups praised the move as necessary to protect survivors and send a clear message about community values, others accused campaigners and politicians of engaging in censorship. Many supporters noted that Manson has not been convicted of any crime and pointed out that a four-year investigation failed to result in any charges.
The debate extends far beyond merely the artist himself, touching on wider themes including the responsibilities of local authorities, the question of separating art from the artist, and concerns over how society responds to allegations of sexual misconduct. It has sparked a vigorous conversation online and within Brighton’s wider community, with strong views circulating on social media platforms.
At time of writing, representatives for both the Brighton Centre and the tour promoters have yet to issue detailed public statements regarding the decision to cancel. Meanwhile, regional authorities and campaigners are now being scrutinised by those who believe that the cancellation sets an uneasy precedent for artistic and cultural expression.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between supporting survivors, upholding the presumption of innocence, and maintaining freedom of expression within the performing arts. It remains to be seen whether other venues hosting Marilyn Manson’s upcoming tour dates will face similar campaigns or take parallel action in response to mounting public pressure.
As communities and promoters continue to grapple with complex issues surrounding artists accused, but not convicted, of serious wrongdoing, the debate over Marilyn Manson’s scheduled UK performances has become a flashpoint in the broader discussion about accountability, censorship, and public safety in live entertainment.