(Laconia) Marilyn Manson was sentenced to 20 hours of community service and fined Monday after entering a “no contest” plea for allegedly blowing his nose on a videographer during a 2019 concert in New York. Hampshire.
The 54-year-old rocker wanted to appear by video for his hearing on the misdemeanor charge, but the judge demanded he be in the courtroom in Laconia, nearly 30 miles from the capital Concord of State.
Manson, whose legal name is Brian Warner, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault stemming from the encounter with the videographer at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford on Aug. 19, 2019.
Manson pleaded no contest to the charge of blowing his nose as part of a fully negotiated plea deal with prosecutors. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the other charge, that he spit on the videographer. A no contest plea (or nolo contendere) means Manson does not contest the charge or admit guilt.
Manson was fined just over $1,400 as part of the deal, with $200 suspended. For two years, he must not be arrested and notify local police of any performance in New Hampshire.
The judge agreed to allow Manson to perform his community service in California. He told reporters he might choose to work with people in recovery. Manson must provide proof of community service by February 4.
According to a police affidavit, Manson approached videographer Susan Fountain, brought her face closer to her camera and spat on her. She got saliva on both of her hands. He approached her again later, kneeling and covering one nostril before blowing his nose on her arms and hands.
Ms Fountain said in a statement that it was “the most disgusting thing a human being could have done”.
On Monday, Manson walked through the courthouse’s main entrance and through security. He wore a head-to-toe black suit and dark sunglasses. Security personnel called him “Mr. Warner” and he identified himself in court as “Brian Warner,” using a soft voice.
He only answered “yes” to the judge’s questions about whether he understood the procedure, and made no statement. Prosecutor Andrew Livernois said this was his first offense and he had no criminal record.
Ms. Fountain was not present in court.
Manson initially pleaded not guilty to both charges in 2021. He was scheduled to stand trial in August. Her lawyer had said the type of filming Ms. Fountain did typically exposed videographers to “accidental contact” with bodily fluids.
Several women have sued Manson in recent years over sexual and other assault allegations. Most were dismissed or settled, including a suit filed by Game of Thrones actress Esmé Bianco.