The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

On January 31st of last year, I published a blog which shared the story of my battles with sexual abuse and epilepsy growing up; the depression and suicidal thoughts which sprung from them; and how artist Marilyn Manson's interviews and music essentially saved me. Within hours of releasing that extremely personal story, actress Evan Rachel Wood published an Instagram post, which alleged Manson of multiple forms of abuse, including sexual. While it was an incredibly surreal moment for me, I refused to comment on it until both parties made their case and evidence was gathered one way or the other. Yes, call me crazy, but even as an abuse-survivor myself, while I feel every abuse allegation should be taken seriously, I'm also a staunch believer in due-process. For the most part, Manson (real name Brian Warner) stayed mum following the allegations. Not long after Ms. Wood posted her Instagram message, he shared one of his own, where he vehemently denied all allegations. After that,...