Politician calls for Marilyn Manson to be removed from Slipknot’s Wembley show

A British local politician has called for Marilyn Manson to be removed from Slipknot‘s upcoming Wembley Stadium concert in London, citing allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse against the musician. Manson has consistently denied the allegations.

Slipknot are scheduled to kick off their massive 2027 “(sic)est Stadium Tour” at Wembley Stadium on July 3, with Marilyn Manson, Lorna Shore and Hatebreed announced as special guests. Manson’s inclusion on the bill has already sparked criticism among some fans, and the controversy has now attracted the attention of local politicians.

Anton Georgiou, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Brent Council, has urged the stadium and concert organizers to reconsider Manson’s appearance. He has also questioned whether sufficient consideration was given to the allegations against the musician when the supporting lineup was confirmed.

Georgiou argues that commitments to tackling violence against women and girls must be reflected in decisions made by major public venues.

“We cannot keep saying that tackling violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility, and then fail to ask the difficult questions when it actually matters,” Georgiou said.

The politician believes the issue extends beyond the booking of a single performer. In his view, decisions made by prominent venues such as Wembley Stadium can send a broader message to survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

A spokesperson for Brent Council has responded by explaining that the local authority does not have direct control over commercial concert bookings at Wembley Stadium. However, the council reiterated its commitment to addressing violence against women and girls.

Wembley Stadium has also addressed the controversy, explaining that supporting artists are selected by the headline performer and the event promoter. The venue has indicated that it will discuss Manson’s scheduled appearance with concert promoter Live Nation.

No changes to the lineup have been announced.

Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse over the past several years. He has denied wrongdoing.

In January 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that it would not pursue criminal charges against Manson following its investigation. Prosecutors cited issues involving the available evidence and applicable statutes of limitations.

The decision did not resolve all of the civil litigation involving the musician. A civil lawsuit brought by his former assistant Ashley Walters is scheduled to go to trial in November 2027.

Manson’s involvement in Slipknot’s stadium tour had already generated debate when the dates were first announced. Some fans questioned the decision to include him, while others defended the booking.

Slipknot guitarist Jim Root previously addressed the criticism, explaining that his focus remains on writing music and playing guitar rather than becoming involved in decisions about supporting artists.

The upcoming Wembley Stadium performance is expected to be one of the biggest concerts of Slipknot’s career, launching a worldwide stadium tour that will also visit North and South America.

For now, Marilyn Manson remains listed among the supporting acts for the July 3, 2027 show. Neither Slipknot nor Live Nation has announced a change to the concert’s lineup.

I have called on @wembleystadium to cancel @marilynmanson’s appearance next year. Someone who has faced such serious sexual assault allegations should not be given a platform in our borough. It’s disappointing that @Brent_Council has not spoken out. https://t.co/JutnX5gctj— Cllr Anton Georgiou (@antongeorgiou_) October 17, 2026