Alice Cooper has commented on the abuse allegations several women have claimed against Marilyn Manson, saying he “never noticed that streak in him”. The original shock-rocker, 73, was interviewed by NME on his just-released new album, Detroit Stories, where he gave his thoughts on the allegations.
Last month, Manson’s ex-fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood accused the rocker of abuse. In the wake of Wood’s allegations, Manson was dropped by his record label Loma Vista and his long-term manager Tony Ciulla. He has also been axed from his TV projects and will no longer appear in American Gods or the Creepshow anthology.
“It’s funny about Marilyn in that I know Marilyn — when we toured together, we got along very well,” replied Alice. “I never noticed that streak in him, if it’s there. I always believe in the word — still allegations are still allegations.”
Since the allegations surfaced, others have levied abuse allegations against the rocker, including Game of Thrones actress Esme Bianco. Wolf Alice singer Ellie Rowsell recently accused Manson of filming up her skirt without her consent when they met at a festival. Manson has also been denounced by former music associates like Trent Reznor and Wes Borland.
Alice related his answer to his good friend Johnny Depp, who was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard. Cooper spoke of his surprise when he heard of the allegations as he insists that he has never seen that side of Depp, either.
“First of all, here’s a prime example: Johnny Depp,” said Alice. “Johnny Depp and I are best friends. I’ve never seen him lift a finger against anybody. He’s one of the most gentle people. And all of his former girlfriends and wives say the same thing. So, it’s really hard to believe that all of a sudden he’s gonna turn into this monster. And I know the guy — I’m with the guy on tour all the time. He’s one of the most gentle, harmless people I’ve ever met.”
Depp lost the libel case he took up against The Sun in November, after he sued the publication for calling him a “wife-beater” in a 2018 article. A High Court ruling deemed the allegations to be “substantially true”. Going back to Manson, Alice remarked, “Now I don’t know Marilyn, though, as well as I know Johnny. So, what happens in the bedroom is entirely a mystery to me for what’s going on with Marilyn.”
Watch Alice Cooper talk about Marilyn Manson and Johnny Depp at the 17:08 mark of the interview. In recent news, the rock icon has said the the shock rock routine that propelled him to fame would not work in today’s climate. Cooper was reflecting on his and his band’s early days in Rock and Roll, read all about it here.
