The Church of Scientology’s Recent 180 on Danny Masterson Shows Just How Far They’ll Go to Clean Their Image

Following Danny Masterson‘s 30-year sentence for rape in September, his support system has been leaving him left and right. First it was his wife, Bijou Phillips, who filed for divorce and child custody despite being next to the actor’s side all throughout his trial. Now, according to a source for Daily Mail, the Church of Scientology has also cut ties with Masterson.

According to former scientologist Jeffrey Augustine, Masterson has now been expelled from the controversial church and been named a “suppressive person,” or “SP.” Per Augustine, the title means that Masterson is “someone whose behavior seeks to impede the spiritual progress of those around him.” Because of this, everyone who is part of the church is expected to cut all ties with him.

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“According to my sources, Danny has been declared a suppressive person, which means he would be expelled from Scientology,” Augustine told the outlet. “They are telling Scientologists that he will file an appeal and that he is innocent of the charges for which he was convicted.”

Augustine explained, however, that the Church’s decision didn’t stem directly from the rape conviction. “[Church officials] declared Danny a suppressive person for not maintaining the high ethical standards for the Church of Scientology, and other reasons – but not because he was convicted of rape,” Augustine revealed.

Click here to read the full article.

The decision from the Church follows reports in September that the church didn’t want secrets to be revealed in the court case. According to Deadline, the religion is “publicity shy” when it comes to the spotlight, and their lawyers had been trying to get the court case dismissed in order to force the plaintiffs to utilize “religious arbitration” instead. Despite them utilizing every avenue to avoid making “the case public,” however, Masterson’s trial proves they reached a dead end.

Knowing that Masterson’s rape conviction appeal, Leah Remini’s lawsuit, and the 2025 civil case, are coming to court soon, it’s safe to say the Church of Scientology won’t be staying out of the headlines anytime soon.

Before you go, click here to see celebrities who have left the Church of Scientology. 

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