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Four women have filed a California sexual assault lawsuit against That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology. The church is reportedly pushing to compel the women into “religious arbitration,” arguing that the plainitffs consented to something known as the “ecclesiastical rule,” thus formally giving up their right to take legal action in a civil court.
Plaintiffs in the California sexual assault case claim that Masterson, a Scientologist, harassed and stalked them, invaded their privacy and intentionally inflicted emotional distress after they told authorities Masterson had sexually assaulted them
Masterson has denied the allegations in the press — he told The Hollywood Reporter that the suit is “beyond ridiculous” — and pushed for religious arbitration within the Church of Scientology. He has said previously that he intends to countersue over the claims.
The Church of Scientology has presented the judge presiding over the case with written agreements the church claims the women signed purportedly agreeing to “ecclesiastical justice” when they became Scientiologists. The signed agreements, according to the controversial church, stipulate that the only avenue for resolution is arbitration.
In many other civil cases, courts have been hesitant to ignore previously agreed upon contracts stipulating arbitration rather than litigation. The courts have affirmed many cases with legitimate arbitration agreements and clauses. However, in this case, the Church of Scientology argues that it can set its own rules, outside of the civil courts, and that a condition of participating in Scientology is consenting to arbitration to resolve legal disputes. Per church rules, the arbitration panel is comprised of Scientologists in good standing.
The plaintiffs in the California sexual assault suit argue that the alleged attacks took place in the early 2000s, but were not reported to Los Angeles police until 2016 and 2017. According to Fox News, the Church of Scientology maintains that “the women executed agreements stipulating: ‘I am forever abandoning, surrendering, waiving, and relinquishing my right to sue, or otherwise seek legal recourse with respect to any dispute, claim or controversy against the Church, all other Scientology churches, all other organizations which espouse, present, propagate or practice the Scientology religion, and all persons employed by any such entity both in their personal and any official or representational capacities, regardless of the nature of the dispute, claim or controversy.’ “
Another plaintiff says the lawsuit has made her and her family a target for additional stalking. She claims that Scientology members have vandalized her food truck, posted negative reviews about her online, and broken a window in her home.
Another alleged victim says she also has been harassed because of the allegations. The woman says she was chased by church members while in her personal vehicle and that someone posted online ads soliciting sex with her without her consent.
Church of Scientology representatives continue to argue that the church’s rights to free speech and religious liberty permit them to handle the case outside the courts with its own arbitrators.
An increasing number of sexual assault victims have felt comfortable sharing their stories in recent years largely due to the many cases involving organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church. More lawsuits are anticipated.
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If you or a loved one suffered from sexual abuse related to an institution in California, you may qualify to join a this California sexual assault lawsuit investigation. Learn more by filling out the form on this page for a free case evaluation by a sexual assault lawyer.
This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.
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