2025-07-07T15:54:47Z

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On Saturday, July 5, fans gathered at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, for an unforgettable concert dubbed 'Back to the Beginning,' which celebrated the legendary Black Sabbath and their iconic frontman, Ozzy Osbourne. The event was touted as Osbourne's final performance alongside his original bandmates: guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Despite the high-profile lineup of hard rock and heavy metal legends—featuring acts such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Pantera, and Anthrax—one notable absence was Marilyn Manson, who did not perform on stage but instead delivered a video tribute that proved divisive among fans.

In a pre-recorded message, Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, expressed his admiration for Osbourne, saying, “It is a great honor to be here via this video. And I’d like to say congratulations, and I love you very much, Ozzy.” This gesture, however, was met with mixed reactions from the audience and fans online. Many took to social media to voice their discontent, with one user stating, “F–k that guy he’s a rapist piece of s–t.” This sentiment resonated with others, who echoed similar frustrations, calling Manson's inclusion in the event disgraceful.

Reports from British media suggested that during the concert, some audience members booed or turned their backs as Manson's video played. The backlash highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the 56-year-old musician, who has faced serious allegations of sexual assault and domestic abuse from four women. Although Manson has consistently denied these claims, the fallout has been significant, leading to his separation from his record label, management team, and booking agent. His upcoming tour, titled 'One Assassination Under God,' which was set to kick off on October 29 in Brighton, U.K., has also been canceled amidst pressure from members of Parliament.

Compounding the situation, earlier this year, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced it would not file criminal charges against Manson, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations and insufficient evidence regarding allegations that purportedly occurred between 2009 and 2011. This decision did little to quell the outrage from fans who feel strongly about the allegations against him.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the impact such allegations can have, especially on survivors of sexual assault. For those seeking help, organizations like the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offer free, confidential support for victims of sexual violence. Individuals can reach out to RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or visit their website for further assistance.