Marilyn Manson’s insurance coverage will pay $175,000 to settle a lawsuit brought against him by a former member of his band, but all of the money will go to the plaintiff’s attorney, a lawyer for the goth rocker said today. Stephen Bier, better known by the stage names Pogo and Madonna Wayne Gacy, brought his breach-of contract case in Los Angeles Superior Court in August 2007 against Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner.
Bier, who was seeking more than $20 million, alleged Manson used money from their former band partnership to buy items ranging from Nazi paraphernalia to a $150,000 engagement ring for ex-wife Dita Von Teese, depriving him of his partnership share. Manson’s lawyer, Howard E. King, said Bier will not get any proceeds and that the settlement check will be made payable to Bier’s lead attorney to cover the costs of the latter’s investment in the case. King maintains the lawsuit never should have been filed. “After being dismissed from the band, Bier could have focused on resurrecting or attempting to pursue a music career,” King said. “Instead, he devoted the last several years to complaining about Manson’s alleged spending habits and extravagant behavior to anyone who would listen.”
