Former Scientologist Leah Remini has expressed her satisfaction with the 30-year prison sentence handed to Danny Masterson after he was convicted of rape earlier this year during a retrial.
Masterson was found guilty in May on two counts of forcible rape related to sexual assaults dating back to 2001-03. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a third charge after eight days of deliberations.
Remini took to social media to share her thoughts, stating that being in court with “the women who survived Masterson’s predation was a surreal experience.” She highlighted the pattern of Scientology using its resources, religious protection, and connections to thwart justice over the years.
“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, its operatives, and its criminal leader, David Miscavige,” Remini asserted.
She went on to explain how Scientology allegedly played a role in covering up Masterson’s crimes through its intelligence agency, the Office of Special Affairs, along with top officials and a network of individuals involved in a conspiracy to conceal sexual violence.
Remini expressed her relief that Masterson will be incarcerated and unable to commit further acts of violence with the alleged support of Scientology, which she referred to as a “multi-billion-dollar criminal organization with tax-exempt status.”
In her post, Remini also commended the survivors for their bravery in reading their victim impact statements in court, where they faced the man who had allegedly raped them and some of the Scientology members they claim had terrorized them for over two decades.
Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” faced a retrial after his first trial ended in a mistrial. He initially faced up to 45 years in prison if found guilty on three counts of rape by force or fear for alleged sexual assaults that occurred over 20 years ago.
Leah Remini also touched on the challenges victims face when reporting fellow Scientologists to law enforcement, citing Scientology’s internal policies. She expressed her gratitude to law enforcement, the LA District Attorney’s office, Judge Olmedo, and the jury for their handling of the case.
Masterson’s legal team announced plans to appeal the sentencing due to what they described as “substantial” errors in the trial. Masterson has consistently maintained that the acts were consensual, while prosecutors argued that he drugged the women’s drinks to facilitate the assaults.
Remini, who left Scientology a decade ago, filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, in August, alleging harassment, stalking, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
