Marilyn Manson Faces Swiss Criminal Probe

[Shawn]

Marilyn Manson is the target of a criminal inquiry in Zurich, after a religious group made a formal complaint about his stage act. Zurich District Prosecutor Michael Scherrer said today (Dec. 2) that the artist was under investigation for allegedly breaching Swiss law protecting religion as well as making incitements to violence during a concert in the city in February 2001.

Manson (real name: Brian Warner) and his band members take their first names from pop culture icons and their surnames from famous serial killers. He also uses the sobriquet "Antichrist Superstar," and is known for his ghastly, cadaverous look and macabre lyrics.

His act has made him the target of religious and conservative groups around the world, including the Swiss-based Christians For Truth, which lodged the complaint.

Scherrer said he interviewed Manson ahead of another sellout concert Sunday at a Zurich stadium, part of the artist's ongoing European tour. Christian groups and lawmakers in Zurich had tried unsuccessfully to have the latest concert banned on grounds that Manson's views were offensive to a majority of the population.

The rocker rejected the accusations, Scherrer said. Manson cited artistic freedom and said his act was meant to provoke a debate about violence and religion. Scherrer said he had yet to decide whether to charge Manson.

As previously reported, Manson and company will join Jane's Addiction for five upcoming North American shows, including a New Year's Eve gig in New York.

Source - Billboard

[rainbowdemon]

I've always thought this kind of thing is ridiculous. Anybody that does not like Manson, just don't go to the shows, or listen to the music. I don't.

[DudeAsInCool]

Me neither. However, I respect Manson's right to express himself... Sounds like the Swiss prosecutor is trying to make a name for himself--what an idiot.

[rainbowdemon]

Me neither. However, I respect Manson's right to creative express himself... Sounds like the Swiss prosecutor is trying to make a name for himself--what an idiot.

That's kind of what I was trying to say. I don't like it, so I don't listen to it. Anybody that wants to, go ahead.