I'm sure ThatGuy will be thrilled to hear this news.
Marilyn Manson Cleared in Crotch-Rubbing Suit
Tue Sep 9,10:28 AM ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A federal court jury in St. Paul, Minnesota Monday dismissed a civil suit against shock rocker Marilyn Manson brought by a security guard after Manson rubbed his crotch against the guard's head during a concert nearly three years ago.
The jury agreed with Manson's position that the contact between him and the guard was part of his elaborate stage show and "neither offensive nor harmful," according to a spokeswoman for Manson's label, Interscope/Geffen/A&M.
The U.S. District Court jury deliberated for three days before returning its verdict in the case, which stemmed from a performance in October 2000 at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis.
The rocker's touring company, Jimmy's Touring Inc., was also absolved of civil liability.
The security guard, David Diaz, filed a battery suit against Manson in December 2001, seeking $75,000 in damages. Diaz claimed he was subjected to emotional distress, mental anguish and humiliation after the recording star grabbed his head, held his hips against it and gyrated.
Manson commented: "The path to truth is obscured by frivolous lawsuits, but it's lit by the objectivity of a jury that sees the difference between entertainment and assault. I feel completely vindicated and I'd like to thank the jury and judge for their thoughtful verdict."
Manson faced criminal charges of felony fourth-degree criminal sexual misconduct and misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with a similar incident involving another security guard in July 2001.
After the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor, Manson pleaded no contest last June and agreed to pay a $4,000 fine. A Month earlier, the security guard in that case filed his own civil suit, which is still pending.
