New Scientology Scandal: Report Alleges LAPD Probing Danny Masterson Over Rape Claims
That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson has been accused of raping two different women, sparking an LAPD probe, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Following a bombshell report from Scientology writer-reporter Tony Ortega, Masterson’s publicist responded to the allegations.
Masterson’s rep told Radar, “We are aware of” the rape allegations from one of Masterson’s exes.
“The alleged incident occurred in the middle of their 6 year relationship, after which she continued to be his longtime girlfriend,” the rep claimed.
“We are aware also that approximately 14 years ago a woman referred to in the blog made allegations of sexual assault and that the LAPD interviewed numerous witnesses and determined the claim had no merit,” the rep said.
The allegations surfaced this week, Ortega reported, when ex-Scientologist and Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath creator Leah Remini caught wind of the scandal, and encouraged the women to come forward with their stories again, despite their decade-old cases.
"I met with the LAPD. I met with the lead detective Esther Reyes, and I told her these victims deserve to be heard," Remini said. "I pointed out to her that there was a framed picture of a Scientologist on their wall, actor Michael Peña. Do you know what that says to a young Scientologist who comes here to seek justice? My experience with the LAPD has not been good. I asked her to do the right thing by these girls, and I told her that the world is watching."
One woman, dubbed Victim A, even wrote LAPD Capt. William Hayes and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck in an effort to seek justice, the report claims.
According to her letter, Victim A was dating Masterson at the time of the alleged incident in December 2001, claiming he "anally raped and injured" her while she was unconscious, Ortega reports. The woman allegedly said she never went to police previously, and "ended up breaking up with him two months later."
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To close out her letter, the alleged victim reportedly pleaded with Chief Beck to salvage the case: “I am begging the LAPD for a fair and honest investigation. I am begging you all to do the right thing. I am begging for your help.”
No charges were filed against Masterson. The LAPD and Masterson’s attorney Marty Singer did not reply to Radar’s request for comment.
Masterson’s rep told Radar, “It was only after the ex-girlfriend was in contact with Leah Remini that she made allegations of sexual assault by Mr. Masterson.”
They claimed, “When Danny ended the relationship she continued to pursue him … In fact, we are informed by the Church that the only demand she made of the Church after Danny broke up with her was asking for their help to intervene so the breakup would not be permanent.”
The rep claimed that “these false allegations appear to be motivated to boost Leah Remini’s anti-Scientology television series since the ex only came forward after connecting with Leah Remini.”
Story developing.
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