ZURICH, Swiss (Marilyn Manson Fan Websites) - Marilyn Manson is under criminal investigation in Switzerland after a religious group made a formal complaint about his stage act. Zurich District Prosecutor Michael Scherrer said Manson was under investigation for allegedly breaching Swiss law protecting religion as well as making incitements to violence during a concert in the city in February 2001. Manson - whose real name is Brian Warner - and his band members take their first names from pop culture icons and their surnames from famous serial killers. He also uses the sobriquet Antichrist Superstar, and is known for his cadaverous look and macabre lyrics. Baptised as a Satanist and an honorary priest in the Church of Satan, Manson has ripped a Bible during stage shows. His act has made him the target of religious and conservative groups around the world, including the Swiss-based Christians For Truth, which lodged the complaint. District Prosecutor Mr Scherrer said he interviewed Manson ahead of a sell-out concert in Zurich last weekend. Christian groups and lawmakers in Zurich had tried unsuccessfully to have the latest concert banned on grounds that Manson's views were offensive to a majority of the population. The rocker rejected the accusations, Scherrer said. Manson cited artistic freedom and said his act was meant to provoke a debate about violence and religion, the official added. Scherrer said he had yet to decide whether to charge Manson.
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