Marilyn Manson Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

PONTIAC, Mich. – Shock rocker Marilyn Manson's racy stage antics have landed him a charge of criminal sexual conduct in Oakland County.

Manson allegedly approached a 25-year-old security guard from behind while masturbating during a July 30 concert at DTE Energy Theater in Clarkston, a Detroit suburb. The rocker spit on the guard, wrapped his legs around the man's head and neck and gyrated against him, said prosecutor David Gorcyca.

Gorcyca said his office issued a warrant Thursday for Manson, 32, but they were unable to immediately contact the performer or his representatives. The warrant had been delayed while investigators interviewed witnesses, Gorcyca said.

Repeated messages left with Manson's publicist were not returned Thursday night.

The fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge is a felony carrying up to two years in prison. Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, also faces one count of misdemeanor assault and battery.

"It was definitely offensive conduct," the prosecutor said. "It's one thing to shock the audience by some kind of behavior, it's another to involve an unwilling participant who was there to protect him."