Leah Remini speaks out against Church of Scientology after Danny Masterson was convicted of rape: ‘I’m relieved’

Leah Remini, a former member of the Church of Scientology and now an outspoken critic of the Church of Scientology, has shared her thoughts on the sentencing of actor Danny Masterson to 30 years to life in prison for rape.

The That 70’s show Star was found guilty of two counts of rape in May after being charged in June 2020 with raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. Although Scientology was not directly involved in the trial, Masterson and the defendants were all members of the church at the time the incidents occurred.

Remini, who left the Church of Scientology in 2013 and is currently suing it and its leader David Miscavige for harassment and emotional distress, was present at Masterson’s sentencing and released a statement on social media afterward.

“Danny Masterson has evaded responsibility for his crimes for over two decades. “Although Danny was the only one convicted, his conviction and sentence are indictments of Scientology,” she wrote, also targeting “its activists” and Miscavige.

Remini claimed the church tried to cover up Masterson’s crimes by using its leaders and followers to launch “a conspiracy to cover up crimes of sexual violence.”

Church of Scientology officials have denied allegations that the church “harassed the accusers,” claiming the allegations have been “debunked.”

“Church policy specifically requires that Scientologists comply with all laws of the land,” the church said in an earlier statement. “Any claims to the contrary are completely false.”

“I am relieved that this dangerous rapist is no longer on the streets and is no longer able to violently attack and rape women,” Remini continued in her statement. “Hearing the survivors read their victim impact statements aloud in court, with the man who raped them and some of the Scientologists who terrorized them for two decades just feet away, I showed a level of bravery before I feel awe.”

She continued: “Not only did these women experience the hell of rape, their rapes covered up by the organization that promised to protect them, but they also faced more ruthless… harassment from Scientology and its agents since they went on trial.” .” Enforcement.”

Jesse Grant/Getty Images; Joe Scarnici/Getty Images Leah Remini; Danny Masterson

The Kevin can wait The actress added: “The women who survived Danny’s robbery fought tirelessly for justice. Her tenacity, strength and courage have given all victims of Scientology hope that justice is possible. We will forever be grateful for that.”

Masterson’s first trial, which began in October 2022, was declared a mistrial in November because the jury was unable to reach a final verdict.

The actor is best known for his role as Steven Hyde That 70’s show and was the only member of the original cast not to appear in the recent spin-off, That 90s show. His other credits include the Netflix series The ranchbut was fired after rape allegations were made against him in 2017. His character was subsequently written out of the series.

Representatives from the Church of Scientology did not immediately respond to EW’s request for comment.

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