The alleged rape victims of “That 70s Show” actor Danny Masterson claimed that they were silenced by Church of Scientology lawyers.
One woman claimed the Church of Scientology requested she “take responsibility” for her alleged assault in writing during a court hearing, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday. She accused Masterson of raping her while she was unconscious in 2001.
Another woman claimed a lawyer from the Church of Scientology approached her and told her she would be expelled from the church if she reported her alleged rape to police, according to the outlet. The woman’s alleged rape occurred at Masterson’s Hollywood home in 2003, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Woman Details Rape Accusations Against Danny Masterson In Court)
“The activities of Scientology have been so much a part of the evidence that’s being put forth as to why these women were not immediately going to law enforcement … that it’s sort of brought the dirty laundry out into public view, which is exactly what Scientology does not want to have happen,” the church’s former spokesman, Mike Rinder, told the outlet.
In 2017, the “That ‘70s Show” star was accused of rape and sexual misconduct by multiple women.
Now he is being accused of orchestrated efforts alongside the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, to silence them. https://t.co/X2UezXzaL0
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) August 15, 2019
Police arrested Masterson in June after he was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear. He pled not guilty in January and has been out on bail.
“Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify,” Thomas Mesereau, Masterson’s lawyer, shared in a statement in June.
“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out,” the lawyer added. “The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”