Entertainment

Danny Masterson ‘blames Leah Remini for rape charges’ as he requests hearing delay


Masterson has reportedly claimed that Remini has influenced the prosecution (Picture:
EPA/CBS)

Danny Masterson has reportedly accused Leah Remini of urging three women to accuse him of sexual assault in an anti-Scientology conspiracy.

The That ‘70s Show actor has been charged with three counts of rape in relation to alleged incidents involving three different women between 2001 and 2003.

The 45-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to TMZ, Masterson has requested a delay in his case, seeking more time to prepare his defense, and claimed that Remini, 50, had been influencing the prosecution and Los Angeles Police Department.

Masterson allegedly claims in legal documents, obtained by TMZ, that Remini had urged three women to make reports to the LAPD accusing him of sexual assault.

While one of the Jane Does made allegations against Masterson 12 years prior, the claims that the other two accusers did not come out with their allegations after he clashed with Remini.

Remini has been vocal in her opposition to the Church of Scientology (Picture: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for International Documentary Association)

In 2016, Masterson accused the King of Queens star of ‘religious bigotry’, due to her public crusade against the Church of Scientology, of which Remini used to be a member. 

He allegedly claims that Remini ‘guided’ the women as they spoke with prosecutors, and claims that the prosecution is ‘starstruck’ by the actress due to her TV career. 

Remini has yet to comment on the allegations.

Following Masterson’s arrest on the rape charges, Remini had tweeted: ‘Finally, victims are being heard when it comes to Scientology! Praise the lord! 

‘This is just the beginning Scientology, your days of getting away with it is coming to an end! #justice #scientologytheaftermath’.     

Masterson previously accused Remini of religious bigotry (Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for COS)

Masterson is currently set to face testimony at a preliminary hearing on May 18.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo said in March that she planned to hold the hearing ‘within the statutory period’ regardless of any further requests for delay or issues raised at the April 20 status hearing.

Masterson will have to appear in person at the hearing.

The actor is accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and another 23-year-old woman between October and December of the same year, with the three alleged incidents occurring at Masterson’s Hollywood Hills home.

A lawyer for Masterson said at the time of the charges being made: ‘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.

‘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 the allegations to be false.’ 

Metro.co.uk has contacted Remini’s rep for comment. 


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