On June 17, Los Angeles prosecutors confirmed that actor Danny Masterson had been charged with the rapes of three women in the early 2000s following a lengthy investigation. The "That '70s Show" alum, a noted member of the church of Scientology, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
After the news broke, actress Leah Remini — a former Scientologist and vocal critic of the controversial religion who believes her former church tried to silence Danny's accusers — took to social media to weigh in on his arrest.
"Finally, victims are being heard when it comes to Scientology! Praise the lord!" Leah tweeted. "This is just the beginning Scientology, your days of getting away with it is coming to an end! #justice #scientologytheaftermath."
Last year, Leah spoke to two of Danny's accusers on the finale of her Emmy-winning A&E docuseries, "Scientology and the Aftermath." The interview aired after four women filed a lawsuit against the actor, the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, in August 2019 for allegedly stalking and intimidating them in an effort to silence them after they filed sexual assault claims against the star. According to The Blast, the lawsuit alleged that the religion engaged in a "conspiracy to cover up that Daniel Masterson sexually assaulted four young women." A lawyer for the religion denied all allegations made in the suit, Variety reported at the time.
Chrissie Bixler, who dated Danny for six years in the early aughts, told Leah on her show that Danny — who's now married to actress Bijou Phillips — raped her after she fell unconscious in December 2001 following a date at a restaurant. According to the former model, who joined Scientology after being introduced to the faith by Danny, she reported the assault to a Scientology ethics officer but was informed it couldn't be rape because they were in a consensual relationship, The Hollywood Reporter wrote.
Chrissie said she was told she'd be charged with "suppressive acts and high crimes" and expelled from the church if she contacted police. "My job as his girlfriend was to give myself to him whenever he wanted," she said. "I could not say no."
A second accuser who dated Danny between 2002 and 2004, Bobette Riales, claimed in the lawsuit that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by the actor and that after she went to police, she was followed and subjected to surveillance. She also alleged that her trash was stolen, her food truck was vandalized and that her daughter's bedroom window was broken.
Bobette told Leah on her show that she spoke up for Chrissie because "I couldn't be quiet and stand by and allow someone that I know exactly how she's feeling, because she actually shared her story a little bit to me, to a point where I was immediately like, 'There's no way in hell you would know that, that's my story, that's my life. So I spoke, and it was the right thing to do."
Danny's attorney, Tom Mesereau, told The Associated Press that the actor is innocent: "We're confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify." He further said, "Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out." Danny is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 18.