Danny Masterson’s lawyer warned on Monday that TV ads in the race for Los Angeles mayor could inflame hostility toward the Church of Scientology, making it harder for Masterson to receive a fair trial.
Masterson, former “That ’70s Show”Star, who is due to stand trial on three counts of forcible sexual assault next week. Masterson is a member of Scientology and will likely be a part of the trial.
The church has also become an issue in the mayor’s race. Rick Caruso started last week RunningAn ad attacking Karen Bass’s praise for Scientology in a speech she gave in 2010. The ad also includes a quote that refers to the church being a “ruthless global scam.”Bass replied by saying that she “absolutely condemn(s) their practices.”
“The public is being inundated with this,” said Masterson’s lawyer, Philip Cohen, at a court hearing on Monday. “It is a significant problem for Mr. Masterson.”
Cohen asked Judge Charlaine Omedo to delay the trial until after Nov. 8’s mayoral election.
“It’s just horrible timing for the defense,”He said that the ads were “amazing”, “inflammatory.”
He also requested Olmedo to refrain from mentioning Scientology during trial. “The word ‘Scientology’ never needs to come up,” Cohen said. “If something needs to come up, it can be called ‘the church,’ ‘the organization,’ ‘a club.’”
Reinhold Mueller, the prosecutor, stated that any possible prejudice could be addressed during questioning potential jurors.
The prosecution wants to call Claire Headley, a prominent former church member, to testify as an expert about the church’s hierarchy and practices. Monday’s defense argument was that Headley had spoken about her. “escape”Not from the church, but helping others escape.
Masterson’s attorney Karen Goldstein argued that the testimony would change the case “into a referendum on Scientology.”
Masterson’s accusers have filed a civil suit against the church, arguing that they were targeted for stalking and harassment in the wake of going to the police. The case is before the U.S. Supreme Court after a California appeals judge ruled that the church couldn’t enforce an agreement requiring accusers to submit religious arbitration.
Scientology will also be involved in the civil case involving Paul Haggis director, which is also scheduled to start next week in New York. Haggis, who is a former member of the church, claims that the church orchestrated the rape accusation to retaliate against him. Both the church and Haggis’ accuser, Haleigh Breest, have adamantly denied any connection.