NYT gift article expires in 30 days.
The case was closely watched not only because it involved a Hollywood star on trial in the #MeToo era but also because two of the women had accused the Church of Scientology, to which they also belonged, of discouraging them from reporting the rapes to the authorities. The church denied that it pressured the victims.
It feels like this may be the larger story. I wonder if it’ll embolden other Scientologists to come forward.
Court documents also said that Masterson had raped another woman, identified as Jen B., in April 2003 after he gave her a drink. Jen B., who sought the church’s permission to report the rape, later received a written response from the church’s international chief justice that cited a 1965 policy letter, which for her raised concerns she could be ousted from her family and friends if she reported a fellow Scientologist to the police.
Imagine demanding that someone give up that much control over their own life and autonomy.
However, she should be commended for overcoming her fear:
Still, she reported the rape in 2004.
When he was accused, and then when his lawyers delayed everything, people told me to withhold judgement… Well, fuck rapists, and fuck them too.
Why has a Hollywood celeb gotta be out there raping? Why? I just don’t understand.
It’s fucking gross.
I’ve no idea how they convince themselves they’re going to get away with this sort of shit.
If that is their thing, I’m sure they could find any number of people willing to play around with consensual non consent instead of destroying someone.
Welp, say goodbye to That 70s Show.
Don’t rapists usually get about 7 years in prison? Does anyone know why he was sentenced to up to life in prison when more brutal rapists who aren’t rich and famous have received much shorter punishments?