Manson's Charges Downgraded

Marilyn Manson received a break by a Michigan judge on December 28 when fourth-degree criminal sexual assault felony charges were reduced to disorderly conduct concerning his July 30 concert in Clarkstown over an incident witnessed by thousands of fans. Manson was accused by a security guard Joshua Kessler who claims that Manson rubbed his G-string clad crotch on his head and neck during the concert. Many of the fans at the concert thought it was part of Manson's provocative stage show.

The reduced charges involved a $2,000 fine and no jail time. The felony charges carried a two-year prison sentence. "I'm not completely happy," Manson said after the court date. "I still think this is unfair."