10 Oct “Game of Thrones” Actress Esme Bianco, Other Victim Advocates, Blast D.A. George Gascon for Mishandling Rape Allegations Against Singer Marilyn Manson and Other Gender-Based Assaults
LOS ANGELES / October 10, 2024 – “Game of Thrones” actress Esme Bianco and numerous victim advocates strongly criticized District Attorney George Gascon today for failing to pursue justice on behalf of women and children victims of sexual assault and gender-based violence, including rape and torture allegations against the singer Marilyn Manson.
Speaking outside the downtown Hall of Justice, Ms. Bianco said she has waited for more than two years for Gascon to decide whether to file charges against the singer, whose true name is Brian Warner, for raping and repeatedly torturing her during their relationship. Adding to her trauma, Gascon has repeatedly refused to speak with Ms. Bianco about the status of the case.
Ms. Bianco is one of numerous women who have accused Warner of violent sexual assault. Her case is among hundreds of violent rape, sexual assault and child molestation cases against women and children in which Gascon has not made a decision about whether charges should be filed – despite having the case for months or even years.
Gascon acknowledges that his office now has a backlog of more than 10,000 cases in which he has not made a decision about whether charges should be filed, many in which no prosecutor has been assigned despite being presented by law enforcement months or even years ago. Many of those cases are violent sexual assaults against women and children.
“Almost four years ago, I did what victims of rape are ‘supposed’ to do—I went to the police. I described in agonizing detail how the musician Brian Warner, better known as Marilyn Manson, raped and abused me during our relationship. Despite a thorough investigation and hundreds of pieces of evidence being submitted to the District Attorney’s office, I am still waiting for justice. In the meantime, I have received death threats, while my abuser continues to perform publicly,” Ms. Bianco said.
“It was not until D.A. Gascon knew I would stand up and publicly demand answers, while sharing a podium with his political opponent, that he tried to offer some explanation. This speaks volumes to where his priorities truly lie. Because I am not the only survivor waiting for answers, with a backlog of hundreds of cases sitting in limbo at the District Attorney’s office. While I have the privilege of media attention, many survivors do not. We will be ignored no longer. Justice delayed is justice denied and survivors deserve better.”
Ms. Bianco added: “Los Angeles County deserves a District Attorney who will advocate for victims of gender-based violence and protect the public from sexual predators. I strongly believe it is time for a change and Nathan Hochman will be getting my vote.”
Several other crime victim advocates called out Gascon’s handling of crimes against women, among them:
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Wallace, who said Gascon forced her to drop a murder charge against Gerardo Contreras, who poured gasoline on his girlfriend in August 2021 and watched as she caught on fire and burned to death. Wallace said she was forced to offer Contreras a plea bargain last month to voluntary manslaughter with a sentence of 12 years in prison, even though she asked to prosecute Contreras for second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. “Gascon does not respect the opinion of his prosecutors, who all have more experience than he does. As a result of that, cases are being given away. Mr. Contreras committed an awful crime and essentially got a sweetheart deal. That is a miscarriage of justice for the victim, her family and the community, which should get a say about how a case like this should be resolved. That’s why we do jury trials, so people who live in the community get a say about what should happen to people who commit heinous crimes.”
Former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Karen Thorp, who said she warned Gascon three years ago that he needed to take swift action to prevent Christopher Hubbart, known as the “Pillowcase Rapist,” from being released to Los Angeles County. Gascon did not follow her recommendations, and now Hubbart, a sexually violent predator suspected in more than 100 rapes, is scheduled to be placed in the Antelope Valley. “George Gascon has repeatedly failed to protect the women and children of gender-based violence. The infamous “Pillowcase Rapist” Christopher Hubbart raped and sexually assaulted more than 100 women over a 50-year time span. Three years ago I warned the Gascon administration how to prevent the conditional release in Los Angeles County of Hubbart, one of the most prolific serial rapists in California history. George Gascon once again failed to act, risking the safety of the women and children of our community,” Ms. Thorp said.
Former Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathleen Cady, who said Gascon has refused to allow his prosecutors to attend parole hearing to advocate for rape and molestation victims whose assailants are seeking parole. This causes undue trauma on the victims and increases the likelihood that the inmate will be granted parole. “By refusing to allow his prosecutors to participate in parole hearings, Gascon is failing to protect the public from serial rapists and child molesters. He also abandons victims who are forced to face their rapists alone. The only people who benefit from Gascon’s horrific parole policy are the rapists and child molesters. Gascon simply is not fit to be District Attorney.”
LaWanda Hawkins, founder of Justice For Murdered Children, who said Gascon has repeatedly failed to file proper charges against violent criminals and advocated for the early release of murderers, causing additional grief for families. “I am in the community and have witnessed the consequences of George Gascon’s policies up close and personal – increased murders, increased violent crime, increased death and devastation. I’ve also seen a D.A. who won’t return the calls of victims’ families who are suffering and who simply want him to explain the decisions he has made. It’s time for a new District Attorney.”
Nathan Hochman, who is running against Gascon in the Nov. 5 election, said the painful stories highlighted in today’s press conference illustrate why change is needed in the District Attorney’s Office.
“Mr. Gascon’s leadership on crimes against women and children has been catastrophically incompetent,” Mr. Hochman said. “Thousands of cases have not even been reviewed because Gascon does not know how to manage an office as large as the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Hundreds of women who have been victims of unspeakable crimes have not had their day in court because of Mr. Gascon. When I am elected District Attorney, I will strive every day to be the champion of crime victims. I promise all victims that my prosecutors will do all they can to pursue justice for them and to protect the public. That is the job of the District Attorney, and one that has been ignored for too long by my opponent.”
About Nathan Hochman:
Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney General, President of the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission and defense attorney, is running to defeat George Gascon and become the next District Attorney of Los Angeles County. He is an Independent (No Party Preference) candidate who believes politics has no place in the D.A.’s Office. He has bipartisan support and is endorsed by the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs’ Association, the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, former District Attorney Jackie Lacey, a coalition of first responders, more than 70 elected officials and dozens of civic and business leaders. For more information about Hochman and his campaign, please visit www.NathanHochman.com.