The women who say they were sexually assaulted by Danny Masterson are speaking out publicly now, days after the actor was first arrested and charged with allegedly victimizing them.
The group, which chose to remain anonymous even with their public statement on Thursday, thanked the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for bringing charges against the TV star. As we’ve reported, the 44-year-old was charged earlier this week with three counts of rape by force or fear; he potentially faces decades in prison if convicted.
Related: ‘That ’70s Show’ Creator Responds To Masterson’s Arrest On Social Media
According to People, the four women here are the same ones who first filed a civil lawsuit against the former That ’70s Show star and the Church of Scientology, accusing the latter of carrying out a conspiracy to cover up Masterson’s misconduct. That court case from back in August 2019 — during which two of the accusers’ names were publicly revealed — is still ongoing.
Now, in a new statement to the outlet, the women are “confident that the truth will be known” thanks to the addition of criminal charges. They stated (below):
“Since we were victimized and raped by Danny Masterson — and knowing we are not the only victims — all we have wanted was justice, accountability, and truth. Instead, we were subjected to continued harassment, embarrassment, and re-victimization by Masterson and the Church of Scientology, which has only worsened since they learned we were cooperating with authorities. We are thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office is finally seeking criminal justice against Masterson after a three-year investigation. We are confident that the truth will be known and hope that the charges filed today are the first steps in this long journey of healing, justice, and holding those that victimized us accountable.”
Very interesting to hear the allegation in that first line asserting these four “are not the only victims.” Wow…
Masterson’s legal team has not yet responded directly to their comments, though his lawyer did speak to E! News after the star’s initial arrest and release on Wednesday morning, saying:
“Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.”
Barring future changes to the timeline, Masterson is due back in court in September.
A Wife’s Backing…
Speaking of Masterson’s attorney, he’s the only person who has spoken publicly in regards to Bijou Phillips, the actor’s wife. Not only has the 40-year-old Bully actress chosen not to comment publicly on the case, but she also deleted her previously-public Instagram page at some point on Thursday amid the charges and heightened news coverage against her husband, opting for less of a social media footprint.
And it was only the lawyer who spoke of Phillips, too, noting in a statement first published by ABC that the film actress is sticking by her embattled husband:
“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out. The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know these allegations to be false.”
Well then… Any reaction to these very, very serious allegations, Perezcious readers?
Sound off about the Masterson case down in the comments (below)…
[Image via DJDM/WENN]
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