One of the women reported Masterson to the LAPD in 2004, but prosecutors opted not to file charges.
“This is not a drugging case,” Cohen said. He also noted that there was no reference to drugs in the actual charges. You don’t want to have sex? You don’t have a choice… The defendant makes that choice for these victims and he does it over and over and over again.”Ĭohen countered that there is no evidence - such as a toxicology report - that would substantiate the drugging allegation. When he drugs them, he’s able to completely physically control them. This is not about the defendant misunderstanding these victim’s signals. He does this to take away these victims’ ability to consent. “The defendant drugs his victims to be in control. In the retrial, the prosecution changed course, arguing that Masterson had in fact drugged the women. But prosecutors did not overtly claim that Masterson had put something in the drink to disable the women. In the first trial, the women testified that they felt weak or woozy, and had little memory, after taking a drink prepared by Masterson. The major difference between the two trials related to the allegation of drugging. Scientology was also a prominent feature of the first trial. “Could it be there’s problems otherwise with the government’s case?” “Why have we heard so much about Scientology?” Cohen asked. What better hunting ground? In Scientology, the defendant is a celebrity and he’s untouchable.”ĭefense attorney Philip Cohen argued that the prosecution invoked Scientology as a way to distract from inconsistencies in the victims’ testimony. “The church taught his victims that rape isn’t rape, that you cause this and above all you aren’t allowed to go to law enforcement. “Like all predators, the defendant carefully sought out his prey,” Anson argued. In closing arguments, prosecutor Ariel Anson argued that Masterson had taken advantage of his position as an “upstart” in the church to rape the victims without fear of repercussion. They have also said that the church dissuaded them from reporting Masterson - a prominent church member thanks to his acting success - to the police. The case has shined a light on the teachings of Scientology, of which Masterson is a lifelong member.Īll three alleged victims were members at the time of the alleged assaults, and have since left the church.
#BIJOU PHILLIPS DANNY MASTERSON WIFE TRIAL#
Masterson’s first trial ended in November with a hung jury, with the majority voting to acquit on all three charges. “While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision.” “Their courage and strength have been an inspiration to us all,” he said.
George Gascón thanked the jury for its service and praised the women for coming forward. She said she was determined to seek justice in civil court, where she said the three women will “shine a light on how Scientology and other conspirators enabled and sought to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior.” Masterson’s former girlfriend, Jane Doe 3, said in a statement that she was “devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.” “I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but take great solace in the fact that he, the Church of Scientology, and others, will have to fully account for their abhorrent actions in civil court.” “I am experiencing a complex array of emotions – relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness – knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behavior,” she said. She also referred to a pending civil case, in which she and the other accusers have sued Masterson and the Church of Scientology for harassment and stalking. One of the victims, known in court as Jane Doe 2, issued a statement expressing relief that Masterson was convicted. Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, was seen sobbing in the front row of the audience.
#BIJOU PHILLIPS DANNY MASTERSON WIFE FREE#
Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request that he remain free until sentencing. After the verdict was read, Masterson was handcuffed and taken into custody.
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