The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is currently investigating sexual assault allegations against actor Danny Masterson, known for his role in "That '70s Show." The allegations, which date back to the early 2000s, have been vehemently denied by Masterson. Journalist Tony Ortega, who has extensively covered the Church of Scientology, claims that the Church covered up the allegations. The LAPD did not comment on the Church's involvement.
According to a statement from the LAPD obtained by Variety, three women have come forward and disclosed that they were sexually assaulted by Masterson during the early 2000s. Masterson's representative sent a statement to Variety denying the claims, suggesting that they may be motivated to boost Leah Remini's anti-Scientology television series. The alleged victim's name has been redacted from the statement.
Ortega reports that the women who accused Masterson were fellow members of Scientology and were pressured by the Church not to report their accusations to the police. No charges were filed against Masterson, but the victims came forward after reaching out to Remini as a result of her A&E Scientology documentary series.
Remini, who has been outspoken against Scientology, met with the LAPD and urged Detective Reyes to listen to the victims.
Masterson played the character Steven Hyde on the long-running sitcom "That '70s Show" and currently stars in the Netflix comedy "The Ranch" alongside Ashton Kutcher.
He is married to Bijou Phillips.
In summary, the LAPD is investigating sexual assault allegations against actor Danny Masterson from the early 2000s. Masterson denies the accusations, while journalist Tony Ortega claims that the Church of Scientology covered up the allegations. The victims reached out to Leah Remini after her documentary series on Scientology and are pressuring the LAPD to take action.
