Danny Masterson’s Victims Claim the Church of Scientology Tried These Disturbing Tactics to ‘Derail’ the Trial

Maggie Clancy
·2 min read
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Warning: This post contains descriptions of sexual violence.

In a case already marred by its unsettling allegations, new claims have emerged that throw an even darker shadow over the proceedings against Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology. The actor, known for his role on That ’70s Show, was convicted of two counts of forcible rape in September 2023. And now, two of his victims are alleging that during the trial, the Church of Scientology embarked on a campaign of harassment and intimidation meant to “derail” the case.

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The latest allegations assert that the religious organization, which until recently had been closely associated with Masterson but now refers to him as a suppressive person (SP), harassed not only the two plaintiffs, but the prosecutor in Masteron’s case as well.

“Defendants and their agents engaged in a campaign of harassment and intimidation directed at one of the prosecutors assigned to Defendant Masterson’s trial,” the declaration from civil attorney Simon Leen read, per LA Times. “That prosecutor’s home and car windows were broken, the prosecutor’s home electronics were tampered with, and Defendants’ agents surveilled the prosecutor.”

These aren’t the only instances in which the Church of Scientology has been accused of employing aggressive tactics against those it views as adversaries throughout the Masterson trial. Leah Remini, a former Scientologist and arguably one of the organization’s most vocal critics, has also claimed that she has been harassed and stalked since leaving the church.

Chrissie Carnell Bixler, one of the plaintiffs who has been vocal about her involvement in the case, claimed that Scientology vandalized her car and “ran [her] off the road,” after she accused Masterson of rape. Another plaintiff in the trial, unnamed for privacy, claimed that unidentified men followed her throughout Downtown Los Angeles during the trial in 2017.

The Church of Scientology denied the allegations. Spokeswoman Karin Pouw stated, “allegations that the Church harassed or intimidated witnesses, prosecutors, or law enforcement officers are categorically false.”

With a series of high-profile legal battles looming on the horizon — including Masterson’s appeal of his rape conviction, actress and Remini’s ongoing lawsuit, and the anticipated 2025 civil case against both Masterson and the Church — the scrutiny of the Church of Scientology’s practices and their alleged attempts to interfere with legal processes is only going to get more intense.

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

Celebrities Who Left the Church of Scientology / Laura Prepon
Celebrities Who Left the Church of Scientology / Laura Prepon

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