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Actor Danny Masterson’s trial for rape started last week in Los Angeles. While the judge has attempted to keep Scientology out of the courtroom, it has shed light on the religion’s inner workings and treatment of its celebrity members.
“This is not going to be a trial on Scientology,” said Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo during a pretrial meeting while clarifying that accusers are permitted to mention the Church to justify their delay in reporting.
The former “That 70’s Show” star is a second-generation Church member, and all three of his accusers are former Church members. Witnesses have discussed the Church every day of the trial thus far.
“This trial is one of the biggest moments in Scientology history,” said journalist Tony Ortega, who broke the Masterson story in 2016.
AFP / Chris DELMAS
Masterson has pleaded not guilty and denied all allegations. In a statement to “Insider,” a Scientology spokesperson disputed witness testimony and said Scientologists are required to “abide by all laws of the land.”
The trial has been intense, with the three accusers reporting that Masterson’s good standing in the Church protected him. The third accuser testified that she was instructed by Scientology officials not to use the word “rape” and was told through Scientology terminology that she must have done something in her past life to deserve what was happening to her.
One accuser experienced a panic attack while providing her testimony.
Two other women testified that they signed legal agreements with Masterson about the incidents being overseen by Church officials. The first accusor said that even 20 years later, she fears retaliation from the Scientology community.
The trial is continuing into its third week, with several major celebrities and Scientologists potentially taking the stand as witnesses for the defense.
