That ‘70s Show actor and Scientologist has been accused of sexual assault by three women.
During a hearing in the rape case against actor and Scientologist Danny Masterson, three of his accusers claimed that the church officials tried to stop them from reporting to the police.
Masterson, known for the role of Stephen Hyde on Fox sitcom That ‘70s Show, was arrested and charged in connection with three rape allegations in late 2020.
The actor is a member of Scientology, a church that see several celebrities among its acolytes and is known for being secretive about its inner workings.
Danny Masterson Will Stand Trial For Sexual Assault
In 2019, three women filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology for stalking and harassment stemming from their rape allegations. The plaintiffs claim that the church, who also includes actors Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Moss, tried to put them off reporting the crime using various intimidation methods.
The Los Angeles Times reports that one woman testified that a church official instructed her to write a statement showing she would “take responsibility” for a 2001 assault. During the alleged assault, the plaintiff claims Masterson raped her while she was unconscious.
Another woman, who was born into Scientology and accuses Masterson of raping her at his Hollywood mansion, was threatened to be expelled from the church if she went to the police. The church denies these claims.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that there was sufficient evidence against Masterson to allow the case to proceed toward trial. Olmedo concluded that Scientology has “an expressly written doctrine” that “not only discourages, but prohibits” its members from reporting one another to law enforcement.
Twitter Users Are Appalled At The Claims Made Against Scientology
Twitter was shocked to hear Scientology members allegedly stopped women from reporting sexual assault.
“Everything that goes public about Scientology is as bad as expected,” one user tweeted.
“If only such behavior was limited to Scientology instead of seeming to be imbedded in so many groups (religious, business, social, etc.) across the world it would provoke more outrage and be easier to contain,” was another comment.
"Can we stop calling this a church.... like I’m not super religious personally but even I know there’s a difference between a cult and a church ffs,” one tweet reads.
“Time to remove the Religious tax loophole that benefits & protects Scientology once and for all. They act as a criminal enterprise, not as a religion,” another user said.