Scientology’s Alleged Cover-up of Danny Masterson’s Crimes Is at the Center of an Updated Legal Claim

Warning: This post contains descriptions of sexual violence.

The dark underbelly of Hollywood is no stranger to scandal, but the allegations surrounding actor Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology have caused a seismic shock. The That 70’s Show star, now convicted and sentenced to 30 years for multiple counts of rape, was allegedly shielded by the powerful religious organization, according to the victims.

Now those who have been brave enough to seek justice are not only standing up against Masterson but also confronting the entire Church of Scientology. Plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in 2019 are seeking to expand their claim, implicating the leadership of Scientology as part of a criminal enterprise accused of obstructing justice and concealing Masterson’s criminal actions. The plaintiffs allege that the church harassed them in an effort to keep them from coming forward about Masterson’s assaults.

The proposed amended complaint, which is still pending judicial approval, brings another plaintiff into the fold. Tricia Vessey, who testified in Masterson’s criminal trial, alleges that she too was raped by the actor and subsequently harassed when she came forward, per MyNewsLA.

The lawsuit delves into the murky waters of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, suggesting that the church leaders are part of a criminal enterprise — something the organization has been vocally accused of in the past by the likes of former Scientologists like Leah Remini. This legal maneuver could potentially set a precedent that impacts how religious organizations handle internal allegations of criminal behavior. It could also impact how local law enforcement interacts with said organizations, as Remini has also accused the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) of “protecting” Scientology throughout the Masterson trial.

While the convicted sitcom star is behind bars, the legal challenges for the Church of Scientology are far from over. The plaintiffs believe that “complete justice demands that the defendants answer for the torment they caused and the abuse they hoped to conceal.”

Previously, a former Scientologist claimed that the organization had officially cut ties with Masterson, calling him a “suppressive person,” or “SP” — aka a person that Scientology members are not supposed to interact with as an “SP” “impede[s] the spiritual progress” of others. Officials from Scientology have yet to comment on the updated lawsuit.

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