Controversial shock rocker, Marilyn Manson, has sparked a heated debate in the BCP area after a recent show at the Bournemouth international centre on October 31st.
Manson, real name Brian Warner, has faced several allegations of sexual and physical abuse since first being accused in 2021.
In January 2025, prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges due to a lack of evidence.
Many local campaigners have argued the decision to host Manson sends the “wrong message” to survivors of abuse.
The show has also brought in concern towards the local council after, especially with their work with the white ribbon accreditation scheme, which addresses violence against women and young girls.
STARS (sexual trauma and recovery service) ambassador, Stephanie Lee, spoke out in reaction to the show stating.
“It has brought up into conversation that people of authority and influence need to be held accountable for their actions”.
“Someone with this amount of allegations being able to play the BIC sends the message to people with any power or influence that they can get away with sexual abuse”.
However, some believe the show has brought some positive effects to local music, with many believing it will lead to more ambition in the indie focused scene.
Maximilian Winthrop Wallace, bassist for local band CHIG, hopes an artist of Manson’s size can ‘inspire’ the BCP music scene.
He went on to say,
“It shows the levels that a venue like the BIC can offer, especially for an artist that big of a fan base”.
When asked about the backlash to the show, Winthrop Wallace said
“his music has helped a lot of people who may have been through similar abuse, but his actions are inexcusable”.
“While many high profile musicians have done similar abhorrent things, you can’t let allegations like his be swept away, in this scenario you cannot separate the art from the artist”.
Callum Mitchell, attendee of the show, stated the crowd were “very active and made the show way more entertaining”.
However he went on to say ,”I was unsure the show would even go on” after calls for its cancellation in June.
The show stands as one of the BCPs most divisive moments, highlighting a complex conversation between culture and controversy.
Joy Crookes Set to Light Up Bournemouth’s O2 Academy