Slipknot Fans Threaten Boycott Over Marilyn Manson Support Slot on New World Tour

Heavy metal giants Slipknot have unveiled plans for a new world tour, but the announcement has been overshadowed by a fierce backlash from sections of their fanbase over the decision to recruit Marilyn Manson as a support act.

The eight-piece band, famous for their elaborate masks and aggressive stage shows, will be joined by the controversial US rock musician at a headline date at London's Wembley Stadium, as well as on several stops during the South American leg of the tour.

The news was shared via an Instagram post that listed the full line-up for the London shows, which also features metalcore outfit Hatebreed. Almost immediately, the comments section became a battleground, with thousands of fans voicing their opinions on the booking.

While some followers welcomed the announcement and expressed enthusiasm for the pairing, a significant number reacted with anger and disappointment. Many described Manson's inclusion as a "disappointment" and said they would refuse to purchase tickets in protest.

One frustrated fan wrote that they would have loved to attend but could not bring themselves to put money "in Manson's pockets." Another simply labelled the news "such a disappointment" and confirmed they would not be going.

The strength of feeling stems from a series of sexual abuse accusations that have been levelled against the 57-year-old musician, whose real name is Brian Warner. He has consistently and strongly denied all allegations made against him.

The most prominent accuser is actress Evan Rachel Wood, who was in a relationship with Manson for three years beginning in 2007. In 2021, she publicly alleged that he had "horrifically abused" and "manipulated" her, explaining that she had decided to speak out in order to warn others about what she described as "a dangerous man."

Manson responded at the time by dismissing the claims as "horrible distortions of reality," insisting that his intimate relationships had always been entirely consensual. Despite his denials, several other women came forward on social media with similar accounts accusing him of abuse.

Wood later featured in a 2022 documentary series titled Phoenix Rising, which centred on her allegations against the singer. Manson subsequently launched a defamation lawsuit against Wood and another woman, accusing them of impersonating FBI agents and forging federal documents. A judge dismissed some of his claims, and in 2024 he settled the case and agreed to cover Wood's legal fees.

Separately, last year prosecutors in Los Angeles confirmed they would not pursue criminal charges against Manson following a four-year investigation into accusations of domestic abuse and sexual assault involving multiple women. The district attorney's office explained that the domestic abuse charges fell "outside of the statute of limitations" and that it was unable to "prove charges of sexual assault beyond a reasonable doubt."

Despite the legal outcome, the allegations continue to shape public perception of the musician, and the reaction from Slipknot's fanbase illustrates how divisive his presence on a major tour bill remains.

Not all fans were opposed to the announcement, however. Some came to Manson's defence, arguing that the two acts share what one commenter described as a "huge fanbase overlap." Another supporter called him a "perfect support act" for the tour, suggesting that the pairing makes sense from both a musical and commercial perspective.

The split reaction highlights a broader tension within the rock and metal community, where questions about separating an artist's personal conduct from their creative output regularly provoke heated debate. For promoters and bands, such decisions carry reputational as well as financial risks.

Slipknot, formed in Iowa in the mid-1990s, have built a reputation as one of the most theatrical and intense live acts in heavy music. Their masked personas and chaotic performances have earned them a devoted global following, making the choice of support acts a matter of particular interest to their audience.

The London stadium date represents one of the biggest shows on the itinerary, and the Wembley booking underlines the band's continued status as a major touring force. The South American dates will extend the tour's reach across another continent where the group also commands a substantial fanbase.

BBC Newsbeat has approached representatives for Marilyn Manson as well as gig promoters Live Nation UK for a response to the criticism. As of the time of publication, no statement had been issued addressing the fans' concerns.

The controversy is unlikely to derail the tour entirely, given Slipknot's large and loyal following, but it may complicate ticket sales for the affected dates and add pressure on the bands and promoters to address the criticism publicly. Whether the backlash grows into a sustained campaign or fades as the tour approaches remains to be seen.