A US jury has been knowledgeable that Danny Masterson allegedly exploited his “untouchable” place within the Church of Scientology to evade accountability for the drugging and rape of girls.
The actor, who shot to prominence after his function as Steven Hyde in That ‘70s Present, is going through rape prices in his second trial. The primary resulted in a mistrial in December 2022.
Masterson is accused of three counts of rape, all occurring at his house between 2001 and 2003, and has pleaded not responsible to all prices.
Throughout the prosecution’s closing arguments on Might 14, the jury heard how the actor allegedly drugged girls’s drinks to rape them, after which used his affect within the Church of Scientology to keep away from penalties.
Prosecution lawyer Ariel Anson advised the trial: “The defendant medication his victims to realize management. He does this to remove his victims’ capacity to consent. You don’t need to have intercourse? You don’t have a alternative. The defendant makes that alternative for these victims. And he does it over and again and again.”
Danny Masterson in September, 2017. Credit score: Getty/Paul Archuleta
All through the allegations, the 47-year-old actor has maintained his innocence. Nonetheless, Anson insinuated in court docket that the controversial Church of Scientology allowed Masterson to really feel invincible and able to evading any penalties for his alleged actions. The lawyer added that the church had the ability to ban the ladies from reporting the occasions to the police.
“The church taught his victims ‘rape isn’t rape, you precipitated this, and above all, you’re by no means allowed to go to legislation enforcement’,” she stated. “In Scientology, the defendant is a celeb and he’s untouchable.”
The church has rejected any coverage that daunts members from informing legislation enforcement.
One one who has supported the allegations towards Masterson is The King Of Queens star and former church member Leah Remini, who advised each trials that Masterson raped her in 2003.
Of the three girls who’ve alleged rape towards Masterson, one is a former girlfriend who claimed he assaulted her in 2001, 5 years into their relationship. The opposite two reportedly met Masterson by means of circles surrounding the church, in response to Sky Information.
Though there isn’t a bodily proof that Masterson drugged any of the ladies, Anson advised the jurors {that a} police toxicology professional who described the signs needs to be enough.
Earlier this yr in February, Masterson’s former co-star on That ‘70s Present, Ashton Kutcher, commented on the sexual abuse allegations towards Masterson, stating that he hoped they have been unfaithful. Kutcher famous that Masterson was a mentor to him all through his profession.
“In the end, I can’t know. I’m not the choose. I’m not the jury. I’m not the DA. I’m not the sufferer. And I’m not the accused,” he defined. “And so, in that case, I don’t have an area to remark. I simply don’t know.”
For assist, recommendation or extra info relating to sexual harassment, assault and rape within the UK, go to the Rape Disaster charity web site. Within the US, go to RAINN.