Danny Masterson receives 30 years in prison for rape

Actor Danny Masterson, known from That 70’s Show among others, will not be seen on the big screen for the time being. And that’s a good thing: last night he was found guilty of rape, and he will have to spend thirty years behind bars. The actor has already announced that he will appeal, as his lawyer claims that ‘substantial errors’ were made, and there would be no evidence.

The jury thought very differently during the trial that took place in recent months. Masterson was charged with rape in June 2020; in 2001 he allegedly raped a 23-year-old woman, in 2003 a 28-year-old woman, and in that same year a 23-year-old woman. The jury therefore considers all three rapes proven.

It is striking that the trial took place in LA and that Masterson has been an active (and proud) member of the Church of Scientology for many years. What does that have to do with it? There has been speculation for years that Scientology has a significant influence on the police in LA. The fact that Masterson was prosecuted and received such a sentence is a heavy blow for Scientology.

In fact, this could very well be the beginning of the fall of Scientology. The church is also facing quite a few lawsuits: they have been sued by Leah Remini for intimidation and also other charges related to human trafficking. So, not light accusations.

Enough reason for Tom Cruise to publicly distance himself more and more from the church. Where he used to be spotted frequently in and around the church and its members, that has not happened for quite some time now. Could it really be that their figurehead is abandoning them? I hope so.