Current:Home > InvestLeah Remini Speaks Out After "Dangerous" Danny Masterson Is Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison -GrowthInsight
Leah Remini Speaks Out After "Dangerous" Danny Masterson Is Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison
SafeX Pro View
Date:2025-04-11 09:46:51
Leah Remini penned a strong message following Danny Masterson's sentencing for rape.
After the That ‘70s Show alum, who was found guilty of two counts of rape in May, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, the King of Queens star excoriated both Masterson and the Church of Scientology—of which he is a longtime member—while expressing her support for his victims.
"I am relieved that this dangerous rapist will be off the streets and unable to violently assault and rape women with the help of Scientology, a multi-billion-dollar criminal organization with tax-exempt status," Remini wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sept. 7. "Hearing the survivors read their victim impact statements aloud in court while the man who raped them and some of the very Scientologists who terrorized them over two decades were just a few feet away displayed a level of bravery that I am in awe of."
Furthermore, Remini, who was raised in the Church of Scientology and has becoming a vocal critic since leaving the organization, thanked the women for speaking up.
"The women who survived Danny's predation fought tirelessly for justice," she added. "Their tenacity, strength, and courage have given hope to all victims of Scientology that justice is possible. For that, we will forever be grateful. To the LAPD detectives, the LA District Attorney's office, Judge Olmedo, and the jury, we thank you for your fair and impartial approach to this case and trial."
Prosecutors had alleged that Masterson, who was arrested and charged on three counts of forcible rape in 2020, sexually assaulted three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills home. Masterson's first trial in 2022 was declared a mistrial after a jury was unable to reach unanimous decisions for the three rape charges.
However, during Masterson's retrial, which took place earlier this year, the jury found him guilty on two counts. The jury was unable to did not reach a verdict on the third court.
The three women—identified as Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2 and Jane Doe #3—told the court they met Masterson through the Church of Scientology, later accusing the organization of pressuring them into not reporting the allegations to police, according to the Associated Press. The church denied their accusations in a May 31 statement obtained by E! News June 1, noting that the organization "has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of anyone—Scientologists or not—to law enforcement."
Following The Ranch actor's sentencing, his lawyer Shawn Holley maintained that her client was innocent after the sentencing, noting in a statement to multiple outlets that a team of "top appellate lawyers in the country has been reviewing the transcripts of the trial" and "have identified a number of significant evidentiary and constitutional issues which they will address in briefs to both state and federal appellate courts."
The attorney—who had sought 15 years to life in prison, according to the Los Angeles Times—further indicated plans to appeal the sentencing.
Masterson, Holley added, "did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted and we—and the appellate lawyers—the best and the brightest in the country—are confident that these convictions will be overturned."
E! News reached out to Masterson's attorneys for comment and has not heard back.
For its part, following Masterson's sentencing, the Church of Scientology released a statement, obtained by NBC News, calling the trial "an unprecedented violation of the First Amendment."
The organization added, "The Church was not a party to this case and religion did not belong in this proceeding as Supreme Court precedent has maintained for centuries."
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org.veryGood! (836)
Related
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Illinois Launches Long-Awaited Job-Training Programs in the Clean Energy and Construction Sectors
- Environmental Advocates Protest Outside EPA Headquarters Over the Slow Pace of New Climate and Clean Air Regulations
- These 14 Prime Day Teeth Whitening Deals Will Make You Smile Nonstop
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Elon Musk launches new AI company, called xAI, with Google and OpenAI researchers
- 2023 ESPYS Winners: See the Complete List
- Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos' Son Michael Now Has a Role With Real Housewives
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Why Kentucky Is Dead Last for Wind and Solar Production
Ranking
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Tony Bennett remembered by stars, fans and the organizations he helped
- Marylanders Overpaid $1 Billion in Excessive Utility Bills. Some Lawmakers and Advocates Are Demanding Answers
- Pennsylvania Environmental Officials Took 9 Days to Inspect a Gas Plant Outside Pittsburgh That Caught Fire on Christmas Day
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- How to ‘Make Some Good’ Out of East Palestine, Ohio, Rail Disaster? Ban Vinyl Chloride, Former EPA Official Says
- If You’re Booked and Busy, Shop the 19 Best Prime Day Deals for People Who Are Always on the Go
- These 14 Prime Day Teeth Whitening Deals Will Make You Smile Nonstop
Recommendation
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Two Volcanologists on the Edge of the Abyss, Searching for the Secrets of the Earth
Six Environmental Justice Policy Fights to Watch in 2023
Environmental Auditors Approve Green Labels for Products Linked to Deforestation and Authoritarian Regimes
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
Buy now, pay later plans can rack up steep interest charges. Here's what shoppers should know.
Yes, a Documentary on Gwyneth Paltrow's Ski Crash Trial Is Really Coming
Tony Bennett remembered by stars, fans and the organizations he helped