Church of Scientology allegedly covered up abuse claims filed against That '70s Show TV star Danny Masterson
The incidents were said to have occurred in the early 2000s
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Actor Danny Masterson, who appeared in sitcom That '70s Show, is reportedly being investigated by the LAPD after allegations that accusations of sexual assault were covered up by the Church of Scientology.
Variety has reported that the LAPD is looking into claims of sexual assault that were said to have been committed by Masterson - a practicing Scientologist - in the early 2000s. Masterson has denied the claims.
A statement from the LAPD reads: “Three women have come forward and disclosed that they were sexually assaulted by Masterson during the early 2000s.”
The claims that the Church of Scientology covered up the allegations against the actor come courtesy of journalist Tony Ortega.
Masterson's representative told Variety that the “false allegations appear to be motivated to boost Leah Remini’s anti-Scientology television series [Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath].“
The statement refers to one specifc accusation: “The alleged incident occurred in the middle of their six-year relationship, after which she continued to be his longtime girlfriend. Significantly, during their long relationship she made numerous inconsistent claims that she was previously raped by at least three other famous actors and musicians.”
“When Danny ended the relationship she continued to pursue him, even making threats to beat up his current wife Bijou Phillips unless she left him. In fact, we are informed by the Church that the only demand [the alleged victim] made of the Church after Danny broke up with her was asking for their help to intervene so the breakup would not be permanent.”
Masterson appeared in That '70s Show alongside Ashton Kutcher with whom he currently stars in Netflix comedy The Ranch.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments