Manson draws up witness wishlist over revenue dispute

Although he is no stranger to shocking his fans with outrageous on-stage stunts, it appears Marilyn Manson is keen to show he is a straight-shooter when it comes to sharing band revenues.

Reports indicate that the rocker has drawn up a witness list which includes his ex-wife Dita von Teese and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor in an effort to settle a US$20 million ($27 million) court case with a former bandmate.

Ex-keyboardist Stephen Bier filed a claim against Manson last year, alleging that he had siphoned off millions of dollars in revenues to fund his wild lifestyle and shower his wife with gifts.

Manson has been using his bands cash to pay for a sizeable engagement ring and his wedding to the burlesque star in 2005.

He is also said to have splashed the cash on some lavish – and suitably bizarre – decorations for his mansion, including a stuffed grizzly bear and a pair of baboons.

Marriage.about.com reports that while the couple’s wedding was uncommonly low-key, it still carried a hefty price tag, with a dress designed by Vivienne Westwood and a luxurious gothic meal among the costs now under the spotlight.