Slipknot Fans Threaten Boycott Over Marilyn Manson Support Slot

Slipknot have unveiled plans for a new world tour, but the announcement has been overshadowed by a fierce backlash from sections of their fanbase over the decision to bring Marilyn Manson on board as a support act. The masked heavy metal outfit will be joined by the US rock musician at their forthcoming show at London's Wembley Stadium, as well as on several dates during the South American leg of the trek. The news was confirmed in an Instagram post that also revealed metalcore outfit Hatebreed would appear on the London bill.

Reaction online was swift and divided. Thousands of comments flooded the social media post, with many longtime followers of the Iowa-formed band expressing anger and disappointment at Manson's inclusion. Some described the booking as a betrayal of the values they associate with Slipknot, while others were simply baffled by the pairing. A number of self-identified fans said they had decided against purchasing tickets altogether, framing their abstention as a form of protest.

One irate commenter wrote that they would have relished the chance to attend but could not stomach the idea of their money indirectly benefiting Manson. Another called the line-up announcement "such a disappointment" and confirmed they would stay away from the shows. The strength of feeling suggests the controversy could affect ticket sales and the atmosphere surrounding what is otherwise a major moment in the band's touring calendar.

Not everyone was opposed, however. Supporters of the decision pointed to what they described as a substantial overlap between the two artists' audiences, arguing that Manson remains a logical and commercially savvy choice for a support slot. One backer labelled him a "perfect support act," a view that reflects the shared gothic, theatrical and nu-metal-adjacent lineage the two acts have occupied for decades.

The dispute centres on allegations that have trailed Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, for several years. In 2021, actress Evan Rachel Wood, who had been in a three-year relationship with the singer beginning in 2007, publicly accused him of abuse. She alleged that he had "horrifically abused" and "manipulated" her, explaining that she chose to speak out in order to warn others about what she characterised as a dangerous man.

Manson has consistently and strongly denied all allegations made against him. Responding to Wood's claims at the time, he dismissed them as "horrible distortions of reality" and insisted that his intimate relationships had always been entirely consensual. His representatives have maintained that position throughout the years of scrutiny that followed.

Wood's statement prompted several other women to come forward on social media with similar accounts accusing Manson of abuse. The wave of allegations intensified public debate about accountability in the music industry and led to increased examination of the rock star's conduct and associations. Wood later featured in a 2022 documentary series titled Phoenix Rising, which centred on her allegations.

The legal battle that followed saw Manson sue Wood and another woman for defamation, accusing them of impersonating FBI agents and forging federal documents. A judge dismissed a number of his claims, and the matter was ultimately settled in 2024, with Manson agreeing to cover Wood's legal fees as part of the resolution. The civil proceedings kept the allegations in the public eye long after the initial wave of accusations.

Criminal authorities also examined the allegations. Last year, prosecutors in Los Angeles announced they would not pursue criminal charges against Manson following a four-year investigation into accusations of domestic abuse and sexual assault involving multiple women. The district attorney's office explained that the domestic abuse charges fell outside the statute of limitations and that it was unable to prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt. The decision closed a significant chapter of legal jeopardy for the musician, though it did not resolve the broader public controversy.

For Slipknot, the row presents a familiar dilemma for major touring acts in an era when fan communities scrutinise line-ups and business decisions more closely than ever. Choosing a support act is no longer simply an artistic or logistical matter; it can become a reputational flashpoint, particularly when the headliner's audience includes a large contingent of younger, politically engaged listeners.

The band, known for their elaborate masks and confrontational performances, have not publicly addressed the criticism. BBC Newsbeat said it had approached representatives for Marilyn Manson as well as the gig promoters Live Nation UK for a response, but no comment had been provided at the time of publication. That silence has done little to quiet the debate unfolding across social media.

The Wembley date is expected to be one of the biggest shows of Slipknot's touring schedule, and the South American leg will extend Manson's involvement across multiple cities. Whether the discontent translates into empty seats or sustained pressure on the band remains uncertain, but the argument shows no sign of fading ahead of the tour.

The episode also highlights how streaming-era fanbases function as quasi-public forums where announcements are instantly contested. Within hours of the Instagram post, the comment thread had become a proxy debate about rehabilitation, accountability and the ethics of concertgoers' spending, with both camps claiming to represent the true spirit of the fan community.

For now, Slipknot appear to be pressing ahead with the line-up as announced. The dispute is likely to follow the tour from London to South America, turning what was intended as a straightforward promotional moment into an ongoing test of how far fans are willing to separate the music from the musician.