Your tip
Your tip
RadarOnlineRadarOnline
or
Sign in with lockrMail

California Supreme Court Denies Scientology's Petition To Review 'Arbitration' & Restores Lawsuit Filed By Danny Masterson's Accusers

california supreme court denies scientology arbitration petition
Source: Ralph Notaro / MEGA; MEGA

April 21 2022, Published 5:20 p.m. ET

RadarOnline CommentsLink to FacebookShare to XShare to FlipboardShare to Email

The California Supreme Court has denied the Church of Scientology's petition to review "religious arbitration," thereby restoring a lawsuit filed by Danny Masterson's accusers against the church.

It was another loss for the religious institution, which previously argued its case to the California Court of Appeal, claiming the court misstepped when allowing members the "sweeping and unbounded" right to leave the church.

On January 20, however, it was shut down and determined that church members cannot be bound to a perpetual agreement to resolve disputes before a religious arbitration panel after the members have left the faith.

Article continues below advertisement
california supreme court denies scientology arbitration petition
Source: MEGA
Article continues below advertisement

The Underground Bunker was first to report news of the Supreme Court ruling on Thursday.

The case gained a lot of traction due to the sexual assault lawsuit against actor Masterson, a church member, and a well-known star of That '70s Show. Three of his five alleged victims were Scientologists.

Article continues below advertisement
california supreme court denies scientology arbitration petition
Source: Ralph Notaro / MEGA; MEGA
Article continues below advertisement

Masterson's accusers filed their lawsuit in 2019, alleging that the church had orchestrated a "Fair Game" campaign to punish them for going to the Los Angeles Police Department. Members of the church, including Masterson and its leader, David Miscavige, allegedly retaliated by harassing and stalking the women for going forward with their claims, according to those three women.

"The right to leave the faith, as defined by this Court, includes the right to narrow the scope of freely executed contracts containing forum selection clauses that call for resolution of disputes in Church arbitration," the church's attorneys argued in support of religious arbitration in January.

Article continues below advertisement
california supreme court denies scientology arbitration petition
Source: Ralph Notaro / MEGA
Image of a woman with shocked expression

Never Miss an

Exclusive

Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE ON NEWS

Marci Hamilton, who argued on behalf of the accusers, fired back.

"There would be no right to choose your faith if religions could permanently trap you," Hamilton commented. "These women left Scientology and were harassed for reporting [claims of sexual assault] to the authorities. Neither the Constitution nor public policy can support Scientology's attempt to have autonomy from the law."

In February 2022, Masterson's legal team attempted to have his sexual assault charges dismissed. He was denied and is set to go to trial in August 2022 following his not guilty plea.

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 RADAR ONLINE™️. A DIVISION OF MYSTIFY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK INC. RADAR ONLINE is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.