Haleigh Breest told a New York civil jury on Friday that the Church of Scientology was not supporting her case in any way, going on offense against Paul Haggis’ intended argument that a conspiracy to smear him was afoot.
The “Crash”Director has not yet taken the stand but his lawyers have won pretrial motions to present Scientology’s theory of multiple rape allegations dating back to 2013, when Breest claimed she was assaulted. Since then, three women have made similar claims supporting her case.
Haggis, a prominent Scientologist who left the church on unfavorable terms, became a vocal critic of the church and was later expelled.
After a long cross-examination, Breest answered questions from her lawyer. He asked if she was or had ever been a Scientologist. According to media reports, she answered no and said that she had no relatives who had attended Scientology events.
“Has Scientology provided you with any kind of support whatsoever in this case?”Zoe Salzman was asked to assist.
Breest again said no, and offered that her lawyers – at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel – were working on contingency, meaning they are only paid a portion of whatever award she may win in the civil case. Unspecified damages are sought by her.
It was Breest’s second day of testimony and the first under cross-examination. Haggis lawyer Priya Chaudhry asked Breest several detailed questions about her sex life, including her experiences before the alleged rape after a movie premiere in 2013, when Breest said she was pressured to come up to Haggis’ apartment for a drink, where he raped her.
Breest A few night stands are allowed before that night but said she’s only attempted to have sex one time since, according to the New York Post. Chaudhry asked Breest whether she’d been drinking alcohol during those encounters, which she said she had.
Testimony will resume Monday.