Marilyn Manson Case Goes To Jury

Jurors began deliberating Thursday in the civil trial of shock rocker Marilyn Manson, who is accused of committing battery during a concert.

A security guard is suing Manson for an incident at Minneapolis' Historic Orpheum Theater in October 2000, when Manson crouched at the end of the stage, pulled the guard's head back toward his crotch and gyrated.

Deliberations were expected to resume Friday.

Lawyers for David Diaz, who is seeking more than $75,000, said during closing arguments that publicity from the event has been humiliating.

Defense lawyer Bert Deixler said the incident was just part of the show by Manson, known for his ghastly, cadaverous look and macabre lyrics, and didn't harm Diaz or anyone else.

Manson's counsel also used testimony from several of Diaz's friends to argue that the case didn't gain notoriety until Diaz filed the lawsuit.

Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, sat through the trial, which began Tuesday, mostly without reaction.

In June 2002, Manson pleaded no contest to being a disorderly person and assault and battery in a similar case stemming from a concert in Clarkston, Mich.

That case, too, involved a guard who alleged Manson made improper contact with him. Manson was ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $4,000.

By Travis Reed