Rose McGowan and Marilyn Manson began dating at the height of their careers in 1997. This was when the young actress began to skyrocket after her role in Wes Craven’s Scream in 1996 and Phantoms in 1998. Manson had just released his second album, Antichrist Superstar.
Each of their dark aesthetics complemented the other. Manson featured his darkly beautiful girlfriend in his 1998 music video, Coma White. The two then shared a sexy scene together in McGowan’s wildly successful movie Jawbreaker in 1999. The two were cemented as Hollywood’s most twisted couple.
However, the two came to an end in 2001. McGowan explained in a statement released from her publicist, “There is great love, but our lifestyle difference is, unfortunately, even greater.”
The Allegations
It was years later, in 2021, when rape allegations were brought against the controversial rock star. Actress Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen, 2003) released on her Instagram account a post that accused Marilyn Manson of being her abuser. Little did Wood know her bravery would inspire more than a dozen other women to speak up and claim sexual and physical abuse against the musician.
McGowan’s Stance
McGowan said she did not experience abuse during the time she was with Manson. However, she did add that it does not mean such behavior didn’t happen with others. Just because she did not experience violence with him, she explained her own personal experience does not invalidate the claims of others.
Additionally, she is proud of the women who came forward and reported the allegations of abuse.
During an interview on the podcast We Need to Talk, McGowan talked about the prior relationship. When McGowan’s judgement was questioned by a viewer regarding relationships with alleged abusers, she firmly stated, “I read the investigative files. You haven’t. That’s all.”
McGowan Inspiring Others
Rose McGowan has been a strong leader of the “Me Too” movement. The movement began in 2006, but picked up momentum in 2017. “Me Too” focuses on speaking out against sexual abuse, harassment, and assault. It aims to empower survivors, and help them find strength to step up and speak out against their abuser.
In 2017, McGowan claimed film producer Harvey Weinstein had raped her. Furthermore, when she reported the crime, she faced repercussions that negatively affected her film career. Since then, McGowan has been a prominent leader in exposing sexual misconduct in Hollywood.