Billy Corgan Stands by Marilyn Manson Friendship Despite Allegations

Billy Corgan's not letting the court of public opinion dictate his personal ties. In defending his three-decade friendship with Marilyn Manson—who's faced sexual assault allegations—the Pumpkins leader made it clear: he's keeping his circle as he sees fit.

"I don't want the world to tell me who my friends are," Corgan said, adding that he's privy to "personal things behind the scenes that are not in the public sphere." Translation: there's more to the story than what landed in headlines.

The friendship runs deep—Manson's wife's twin sister is married to Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, so the families are intertwined beyond just rock-and-roll camaraderie. But that domestic connection doesn't erase the weight of public allegations or the debate it sparks.

It's a thorny position. Loyalty to longtime friends often clashes with accountability for serious claims. Corgan seems to be arguing that knowing someone personally gives him information the rest of us don't have—which is true, but also the kind of thing both the accused and their supporters naturally claim. Either way, he's made his stance known and isn't apologizing for it.

Read the full story at The Hollywood Reporter → https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/billy-corgan-defends-marilyn-manson-friendship-didnt-feel-guilty-1236739561/