Leah and I were interviewed by Jake Tapper Friday evening. You can watch the segment here. Unfortunately, breaking news cut us a little short, but Jake gave us an opportunity to cover plenty of ground. We really appreciate him reaching out to us and the fact that he had gotten himself familiar with the facts in the case. As he says, this is an under reported topic -- we hope he will do more. And that other national media will follow his lead. … [Read more...]
Leah & Mike: The Masterson Sentencing
Last night Leah and I did a livestream YouTube video about the Masterson sentencing hearing Leah had attended earlier in the day. Here are the documents we mentioned: Jane Doe 1 Mother's Letter to Miscavige You can also find this, and a glossary of terms at Leah's Substack: DOJ Sentencing Memorandum For those who don't want to read the entire 70 page document, here is a redacted summary of key points: Excerpts DOJ Sentencing Memo … [Read more...]
Scientology’s Lying Response to Masterson Conviction
Of course, following the Masterson conviction, scientology put out a statement about how they have been subjected to "prejudice" and "bigotry." Here it is, in all it's holier-than-thou sliminess, and their usual outright lies. The prosecution's introduction of religion into this trial was an unprecedented violation of the First Amendment and affects the due process rights of every American. 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. The District Attorney unconscionably centered his … [Read more...]
Justice for Danny Masterson’s Victims
At last, a measure of justice for the victims of Danny Masterson. It has been too long coming. And these women have had to endure WAY too much to get to this point. Each of them are strong beyond comprehension to have survived the ordeal they were put through: first by Masterson, then by scientology, then by law enforcement and finally having to relive the horrendous events in not just one, but two trials. If you think you have any idea the emotional, mental and physical toll this sort of experience exacts, unless you have endured it personally, you cannot know. I hope these 3 victims, … [Read more...]
Podcast with Jon Atack
Jon and I recorded a new episode of his excellent podcast. Enjoy. … [Read more...]
Court TV
Monday night I appeared on Court TV's Closing Arguments show with Vinnie Politan discussing the Danny Masterson case. If you missed the piece you can watch it here: … [Read more...]
Scientology Hypocrisy: Champions of Religious Freedom
More scientology hypocrisy. They often shout they are champions of "freedom of religion" and of course "protect everyone's right to practice the religion of their choice." Unless they believe that choice is in some way harmful to scientology. This article on the STAND League website claims that they have created a "case library" with all the important First Amendment cases included. The article was published on 26 January 2022. Of course, this article appeared just a week after the most recent First Amendment case ruling, specifically addressing the freedom of people NOT to be … [Read more...]
No Justice for Paul Haggis
This recent article in Variety makes my blood boil. While scientology has continued to support and protect Danny Masterson, who has been trying to avoid his day of reckoning in court at all costs, Paul Haggis, who they have accused of being a "rapist" has been trying desperately to get INTO court to clear his name. Masterson is being criminally prosecuted, in addition to the civil case filed by his victims. Paul Haggis has never been criminally charged -- or even investigated. Unlike Masterson's victims, Paul's accuser did NOT go to law enforcement, Paul did. He asked them to … [Read more...]
Shameful Scientology “Religious Arbitration” Destroying Justice
Anyone who paid attention to the Masterson case Preliminary Hearing last week got a glimpse of the triggering experience of recounting a rape for the victims. After hearing their testimony, Judge Olmedo ordered that Danny Masterson to stand trial for rape. The role of scientology in the matter was not lost on her. Which makes the order of Judge Kleifield in the civil court virtually next door even more egregious. The same women who testified as victims in the criminal case are also plaintiffs in a civil suit. Their civil case was filed before the criminal charges were announced, when … [Read more...]
Danny Masterson — DJ Donkey Punch
The news from Los Angeles that the Danny Masterson Preliminary Hearing resulted in the judge ordering him to stand trial for rape was more than welcome. It was a relief to know the victims have finally been heard and taken seriously. It was also long overdue. Tony Ortega did a magnificent job of reporting over 4 days of the hearing. It was amazing the level of detail he was able to take down and relay to all those unable to attend in person. My message to the 3 women who took the stand: Brava. Brava. Brava. And Brave, brave, brave. It takes guts to testify before a court under any … [Read more...]