Former Church of Scientology member and outspoken critic Leah Remini has expressed her views on actor Danny Masterson’s rape sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
After being accused in June 2020 of raping three women in different events between 2001 and 2003, the That ’70s Show actor was found guilty on two counts of rape in May. Masterson and the defendants were all members of the church at the time the incidents took place, even though Scientology was not directly involved in the trial.
Remini, who left the Church of Scientology in 2013 and is presently suing it and its leader, David Miscavige, for harassment and emotional distress, was present at Masterson’s sentence and issued a statement on social media afterwards.
“For over two decades, Danny Masterson avoided accountability for his crimes. While Danny was the only one sentenced, his conviction and sentence are indictments against Scientology,” she penned, also calling out “its operatives” and Miscavige.
My statement on the sentencing of Scientologist Danny Masterson:
"Sitting in court today with the women who survived Danny Masterson's predation was a surreal experience. Over the past seven decades, former Scientologists have sadly become used to Scientology using its…
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) September 7, 2023
Remini stated that the church attempted to cover up Masterson’s crimes by using the help of its leaders and followers in “a conspiracy to cover up crimes of sexual violence.”
Church of Scientology officials have denied accusations that the Church “harassed the accusers,” stating that the allegations have been “debunked.”
The church has stated in a previous statement, “Church policy explicitly demands Scientologists abide by all laws of the land.” “All allegations to the contrary are totally false.”
Remini continued in her statement, “I am relieved that this dangerous rapist will be off the streets and unable to violently assault and rape women. Hearing the survivors read their victim impact statements aloud in court while the man who raped them and some of the very Scientologists who terrorized them over two decades were just a few feet away displayed a level of bravery that I am in awe of.”
The actress added, “These women not only faced the living hell of being raped, having their rapes covered up by the very organization that promised to protect them, but they have also faced ruthless… harassment by Scientology and its agents since they came forward to law enforcement.” She also wrote, “The women who survived Danny’s predation fought tirelessly for justice. Their tenacity, strength, and courage have given hope to all victims of Scientology that justice is possible. For that, we will forever be grateful.”