Code Orange’s Reba Meyers has spoken out for the first time since joining Marilyn Manson’s live band, saying that she is “proud” to represent forgiveness.
The announcement that she has joined the band comes following the ‘Beautiful People’ singer heading on tour to support Five Finger Death Punch as part of their US tour, and dropping two new tracks.
The live shows mark his first proper dates since 2019, and the new material comes following a raft of sexual abuse allegations that have been levelled against him since February 2021.
They include claims by his ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood, who made accusations of rape, torture, and threats. Separate claims of abuse from more than 12 women have also been made. Numerous lawsuits have ensued since, with Manson consistently denying all allegations.
After Manson signed a new record deal with independent label Nuclear Blast and dropped new tracks ‘As Sick As The Secrets Within’ and ‘Raise The Red Flag’, members of his new live band have also been revealed.
Debuting on stage with him in Pennsylvania on August 2 and making their first recorded appearance in the music video for ‘Raise The Red Flag’, the members include Meyers on guitar and Piggy D, formerly of Rob Zombie’s band, on bass, as well as returning drummer Gil Sharone and guitarist Tyler Bates (via Loudwire).
Now, Meyers has spoken out about joining the band, and shared a new post on Instagram expressing what the gig means to her. “I’m proud to represent the growth, confidence, forgiveness, humanity, and change that comes with this, and to be up there with such talented motherfuckers,” she shared.
“Everyone is aiming for growth and not stagnation. World needs that attitude right now. Thanks to all the new peeps that have been showing love and support my way.”
Words of support have come in from other musicians too, with KoRn drummer Ray Luzier, former-Every Time I Die guitarist Andy Williams, Better Lovers’ Greg Puciato and bandmates Piggy D. and Gil Sharone being among those sharing messages in the comment section.
Piggy D. also shared a post confirming his role as part of the live band, previously writing: “It is with immense gratitude that I stand with these beautiful and inspiring people on this amazing journey, I hope to see you all there!”
In March 2022, Manson brought a defamation case against Wood but the case’s key claims were dismissed last May. However, some parts of the case are still pending and a trial awaits.
In January, he was ordered to pay Wood’s legal fees of roughly $326,000. In addition, it was reported in February that Manson will pay the legal fees of artist Illma Gore, who is named as a second defendant and described as Wood’s “on-again, off-again romantic partner” in his defamation lawsuit.
Gore is reportedly owed over $160,000, bringing Manson’s total to nearly $500,000. The reimbursements were awarded under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which says that defendants unfairly sued for their freedom of speech can have their attorney’s costs paid for by the plaintiff.
Other accusers include Game of Thrones actress and former girlfriend Esme Bianco and ex-girlfriend Ashley Morgan Smithline. The lawsuit filed by Smithline has since been dismissed, while Manson denied Bianco’s claims as “meritless” and settled with her in January 2023.
He was also accused by someone only known as Jane Doe in September 2023 – however, her case was settled a week ahead of going on trial.
Last September, he reached a private settlement with a Jane Doe plaintiff who alleged he raped her in 2011. Elsewhere, last month his former assistant Ashley Walters won a critical appeal that revived her case which was originally dismissed last year. In her suit, she alleges that Manson sexually assaulted her, whipped her, and threw her against a wall during a drug-induced rage.
Last month, a woman who claims Manson subjected her to “horrific” abuse as a minor in the ‘90s spoke publicly for the first time. “No longer a nameless victim, I stand before you as Bianca Allaine Kyne, a survivor. Today, I reclaim my voice, a voice stolen for far too long,” she said in a statement released by her lawyer, Jeff Anderson.
Manson’s Lawyer, Howard King, denied the allegations and said the claims are “vicious lies” that amount to a “shakedown” of his client.
He told Rolling Stone: “Brian Warner does not know this individual and has no recollection of ever having met her 28 years ago. He certainly was never intimate with her. She has been shopping her fabricated tale to tabloids and on podcasts for more than three years. But even the most minimal amount of scrutiny reveals the obvious discrepancies in her ever-shifting stories as well as her extensive collusion with other false accusers.”
NME contacted King for further comment.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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