Danny Masterson believed Scientology made him “untouchable”, rape trial hears

nme.com:

That ‘70s Show — is on trial for the second time following allegations of rape. The first ended in a mistrial back in December 2022.Masterson is accused of three charges of rape, all taking place at his home between the period of 2001 and 2003.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.In the closing arguments of Friday’s trial (May 14), the jury were told that the actor drugged women’s drinks so he could rape them, and later relied on his influence in the Church of Scientology to avoid facing any consequences.“The defendant drugs his victims to gain control.

He does this to take away his victims’ ability to consent,” said Prosecution lawyer Ariel Anson at the trial (via Sky News). “You don’t want to have sex?

You don’t have a choice. The defendant makes that choice for these victims. And he does it over and over and over again.”Following the allegations, the 47-year-old actor has consistently denied all charges filed against him.Counteracting the claims made by Anson, Masterson’s lawyer Philip Cohen highlighted the inconsistencies within the stories of those making the accusations. “[Ms Anson] did a very nice job of ignoring many of them,” he told jurors. “What she views as little inconsistencies are at the heart of trying to determine is somebody, reliable, credible, believable enough for a criminal conviction?”In her case, Anson also insinuated that the controversial Church of Scientology allowed Masterson to believe he could get away with any alleged wrongdoing, and claimed that the church had the influence to prevent the women from reporting the events to the police.“The church taught his victims ‘rape isn’t rape, you caused this, and above all, you are never allowed to go to law enforcement’,” she said. “In.