![]() ![]() The major difference between the two trials related to the allegation of drugging. Scientology was also a prominent feature of the first trial. “Could it be there’s problems otherwise with the government’s case?” “Why have we heard so much about Scientology?” Cohen asked. What better hunting ground? In Scientology, the defendant is a celebrity and he’s untouchable.”ĭefense attorney Philip Cohen argued that the prosecution invoked Scientology as a way to distract from inconsistencies in the victims’ testimony. “The church taught his victims that rape isn’t rape, that you cause this and above all you aren’t allowed to go to law enforcement. “Like all predators, the defendant carefully sought out his prey,” Anson argued. In closing arguments, prosecutor Ariel Anson argued that Masterson had taken advantage of his position as an “upstart” in the church to rape the victims without fear of repercussion. They have also said that the church dissuaded them from reporting Masterson - a prominent church member thanks to his acting success - to the police. The case has shined a light on the teachings of Scientology, of which Masterson is a lifelong member.Īll three alleged victims were members at the time of the alleged assaults, and have since left the church. Masterson’s first trial ended in November with a hung jury, with the majority voting to acquit on all three charges. “While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision.” “Their courage and strength have been an inspiration to us all,” he said. George Gascón thanked the jury for its service and praised the women for coming forward. She said she was determined to seek justice in civil court, where she said the three women will “shine a light on how Scientology and other conspirators enabled and sought to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior.” Masterson’s former girlfriend, Jane Doe 3, said in a statement that she was “devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.” “I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but take great solace in the fact that he, the Church of Scientology, and others, will have to fully account for their abhorrent actions in civil court.” ![]() “I am experiencing a complex array of emotions – relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness – knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behavior,” she said. She also referred to a pending civil case, in which she and the other accusers have sued Masterson and the Church of Scientology for harassment and stalking. One of the victims, known in court as Jane Doe 2, issued a statement expressing relief that Masterson was convicted. Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, was seen sobbing in the front row of the audience. Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request that he remain free until sentencing. Just months after the LAPD confirmed the sexual assault allegations probe, Masterson was fired from his Netflix series The Ranch in December 2017.After the verdict was read, Masterson was handcuffed and taken into custody. Masterson would later release a lengthy statement claiming, among other things, that the women only came forward with their accusations after they were contacted by Leah Remini, a former member of the Church of Scientology and the driver behind the A&E docuseries, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, which aimed to shed light on the church. He's been out on bail ever since. The sexual assault accusations first surfaced in 2017, following a report that Masterson was the subject of an LAPD investigation. The actor was ultimately arrested on June 17, 2020, and released three hours later after posting $3.3 million bail. According to prosecutors, the actor was also accused of raping a 28 and 23-year-old woman he allegedly invited to his home sometime between October and December 2003. ![]() Masterson, who pleaded not guilty to three counts of forcible rape, was accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001. ![]() At the time, the judge said she "found all three witnesses to be credible and the evidence sufficient to support the charges." The retrial ends more than three years after Masterson was ordered to stand trial on charges that he raped three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 20. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |