Danny Masterson’s rape trial has entered its second week, and the proceedings seem to be getting even more tense. Things got off to an rocky start last week when the judge challenged the opening statements. At the end of this week, the case was rocked again by an unexpected witness testimony. Not only that, but Masterson’s defense team (once again) asked for a mistrial. This time as a result of the individual’s statements.
Today’s jury and judge heard from Shaun Fabos. Shaun was a friend and confidant of Jane Doe 1 or Jen B and worked for her parents during the time Danny Masterson sexually assaulted her. Per VarietyEven though he was asked to speak for the prosecution, Fabos’ testimony appeared to be a boost for the defense. Fabos stated that he had been on a Florida trip with Jen B and her family. This was something he previously told an investigator for defense, but not to the prosecution. After being allegedly sexually assaulted in 2003 by Masterson, the plaintiff claimed that she had bruises on her wrists and hip. However, Fabos – who was allegedly told about the purported incident shortly after it happened – claims that such markings were not present on her body during the group excursion.
Shaun Fabos was reported to be “evasive at times”While on the stand, Judge Charlaine Olmedo made a comparison between him and a “gang witness.” That term refers to one whose testimony could change depending on who’s present for it. Ultimately, Olmedo dubbed him a “hostile witness,”This allowed the prosecution to ask him important questions. Phillip Cohen, the That ‘70s Show alum’The lead defense attorney eventually called for the mistrial. According to Deadline, Cohen’s request, which was ultimately denied, was based on the witness’ perceived level of credibility:
I don’t throw it out there easily. In a criminal trial, the defense’s credibility is everything.
During his testimony, the witness also notably mentioned that he’d grown up in the Church of Scientology but had only really adapted the religion “in the last two years.”The church has been a significant topic of discussion in this case, and it was a major reason why. The judge was not happy with the opening statements. She declared early on that she believed the “trial is not going to be inundated with Scientology.”
Police first began investigating Danny Masterson in 2017, before being Formally charged with rape2020 Four women sued him, the Church of Scientology and his lawyer in 2019, alleging that they’d been stalked after going public with claims against the star. (The church tried many different tacticsTo stop the case being taken to court. In 2021 Jen B testified against MastersonShe claimed that Masterson sexually assaulted her in his home in 2003. Masterson has pleaded guilty.
Except for Wednesday, the case will continue every day this week. Witnesses from several others will also be included in the trial. including Lisa Marie PresleyBefore it officially concludes on November 19,