Billy Corgan says Christian faith means staying loyal to accused sex creep Marilyn Manson

Billy Corgan, frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, has defended his friendship with accused sex offender Marilyn Manson by stating that his Christian faith compels him to remain loyal to his longtime friend, according to TheWrap. On the New York Times' 'Popcast' podcast, Corgan explained that while he doesn't claim to adjudicate the situation, he is critical of the actions of those involved.

He noted that he had personal knowledge of the case that wasn't publicly disclosed, having been involved in the investigation for years. However, the Los Angeles district attorney's office declined to press charges against Manson in 2025, citing the statute of limitations and the challenges women face in proving abuse. Manson has been accused of other offenses, including sexual abuse and domestic violence, and has had previous legal issues, such as sex trafficking and rape lawsuits that were settled out of court.

Corgan has faced criticism for his support of conspiracy theories and his comments about Alex Jones, but he maintains that he doesn't let others dictate his friendships.