Jack Off Jill singer Jessicka Addams accuses Marilyn Manson's long-time bassist of rape
Pitchfork reports that Jeordie White—a.k.a. Twiggy Ramirez, the longtime bassist for Marilyn Manson—has been accused of rape by Jessicka Addams, lead singer of riot grrrl band Jack Off Jill. Addams—whose band has had a long professional and personal association with Manson—wrote a long post to her Facebook wall today, detailing her account of how a romantic relationship with White when she was 18 slowly devolved into physical and emotional abuse, and, eventually, rape.
Besides describing her experiences with White, Addams’s post also discusses the pressure from the music industry to keep quiet about the incident, writing,
In 1997, I was warned by my band’s record company that if I revealed my story publically, there would be a very good chance that my band Jack Off Jill would be black balled by concert promoters, radio programmers, and other bands and their managers. Jack Off Jill was also warned of running the risk of losing our coveted record deal (which they gave us!!,) as they were certain no one would ever take a rape victim in this male dominated music business seriously, nevermind a ferocious, disenfranchised, outspoken overweight front woman such as myself! The label blatantly feared the big machine behind Marilyn Manson would use their power to destroy not only Jack Off Jill, but my name, Jessicka, as well. The pressure and guilt of the inevitable repercussions of my rape story affecting my band’s livelihood, happiness and success kept me silent for years.
She says she finally felt compelled to come forward with her story after learning that White had allegedly treated other women in similar ways.
Manson released a statement today in response to Addams’ post, writing, “I knew Jessicka and Jeordie had a romantic relationship many years ago and I considered and still consider Jessicka to be a friend. I knew nothing about these allegations until very recently and am saddened by Jessicka’s obvious distress.” White—who originally joined Manson’s band in 1993, and is often credited as a major part of Manson’s songwriting team—has yet to release a response to the accusations against him.