Marilyn Manson's mid-life crisis

Jan 19, 2007, 8:00 GMT

Marilyn Manson's friends have blasted his alleged romance with young actress Evan Rachel Wood.

Those close to the shock rocker - whose wife Dita Von Teese filed for divorce after Christmas - say Manson, 38, is suffering from a mid-life crisis because he has chosen a lover exactly like his estranged wife, just younger.

One friend told People magazine: "It's like he's having a mid-life crisis, he's with a younger version of Dita."

Manson's friends say they noticed the striking similarity between the two women when Wood, 19, turned up for Manson's birthday party earlier this month looking just like Dita.

The source added: "She had her hair and make-up done like Dita."

Manson is also said to have received a rather unconventional birthday present from his new flame, a live scorpion in a cage.

Dita filed for divorce from Manson on December 29, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.

It has been alleged the burlesque dancer - who had been dating Manson for seven years before they tied the knot in 2006 - grew tired of his frequent partying, budding friendship with Lindsay Lohan and his lack of interest in having a baby.

(C) BANG Media International