EVAN RACHEL WOOD
She Acts. We Watch. She Speaks. We Listen.
Evan Rachel Wood is the epitome of bravery. Recently, the Westworld actress spoke out against the years of abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex Marilyn Manson.
“The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson,” Wood wrote on Instagram. “He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail. I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives. I stand with the many victims who will no longer be silent.”
Within a couple days, Manson was dropped from his label, Loma Vista Recordings. It was a relatively swift action that hasn’t been consistent during the post-#MeToo era. But it doesn’t erase Wood’s trauma, nor does dropping him fix the larger societal issue. Wood showed courage to come forward and even brought more Manson accusers out of the woodwork.
Wood has had a busy year, otherwise, with her acting career. Westworld season three concluded at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her biggest success and critical acclaim, though, came in the form of a queer indie heist film. Wood, who is bisexual, starred alongside Gina Rodriguez in the zany film Kajillionaire. You can watch it on Amazon Prime.
In terms of her other successes, no one can forget her breakthrough performance in the 2003 film Thirteen. And we are still rewatching her stint on HBO’s True Blood, which is one of our favorite shows of all time.
We’ve always celebrated Wood’s work, but now it’s time to celebrate her fearlessness. Thank you, Evan Rachel Wood. We commend you.
