In a recent interview on *The Tucker Carlson Show*, Staind frontman Aaron Lewis made headlines by offering a surprising and controversial defense of his friend, Marilyn Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner. Lewis, known for his candid opinions and raw emotion in both music and interviews, shared his personal perspective on Manson’s public persona, calling the musician an “evil genius” in a conversation that has sparked mixed reactions.
### A Personal Friendship
Aaron Lewis revealed his deep personal connection with Marilyn Manson during the interview. He emphasized that despite Manson’s controversial public image, their friendship runs deep. “I have a lot of acquaintances in the industry. Like, there’s people that I have huge love and respect for,” said Lewis. “Me and Marilyn Manson text all the time.” His words showed a sense of loyalty, as he seemed to separate Manson’s public image from his personal relationship with the musician.
This personal side of Manson was what Lewis focused on, noting that their conversations were not only frequent but also intellectually stimulating. “Brian is one of the most intelligent, profound conversations I have ever had with somebody,” Lewis remarked. This suggests that beyond Manson’s chaotic public persona, there’s a side of him that Lewis believes is highly intellectual and thoughtful.
### Acknowledging Manson’s Calculated Persona
One of the most striking elements of Lewis’s comments was his description of Manson as an “evil genius.” Lewis explained that Manson’s entire public image has been carefully crafted. “He is fully aware of every single button he is purposely pushing. He’s a genius. It’s all been calculated. He knows exactly what he’s doing,” Lewis asserted. These comments underscore the idea that Manson’s controversial acts, eccentric behavior, and shocking public statements may not be as spontaneous or reckless as they appear. Instead, they could be part of a well-thought-out strategy to provoke reactions and create an enduring legacy.
For Lewis, Manson’s actions seem to be deliberate, an acknowledgment of the musician’s understanding of public perception. According to Lewis, this self-awareness and ability to manipulate public opinion is what marks Manson as a “genius” in the world of entertainment.
### Manson’s Controversies
While Lewis’s praise of Manson may seem unexpected, it’s important to note the controversies that have surrounded the musician in recent years. Manson’s public image took a significant hit after multiple allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence were made against him by several women, including actress Evan Rachel Wood. Manson has vehemently denied the allegations.
In January, after a lengthy investigation, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office decided not to pursue charges, citing the statute of limitations on the domestic violence allegations and the inability to prove the sexual assault accusations beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite this, the legal battles and the damage to Manson’s reputation continue to linger.
### Lewis’s Controversial Support
While Manson’s legal issues and public scandals are far from resolved, Lewis’s remarks on *The Tucker Carlson Show* have sparked debate among fans and critics alike. By labeling Manson as an “evil genius,” Lewis has created a divide, with some applauding his loyalty and others questioning the morality of supporting someone with such a problematic history.
Regardless of the controversy, it’s clear that Aaron Lewis’s words are a testament to the complex nature of his friendship with Manson, and his admiration for the artist’s intellect and strategic mindset, even in the face of public criticism.
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