A conversation with courtroom reporter and journalist Meghann Cuniff to recap the differences between two high-profile celebrity sexual assault trials: Harvey Weinstein and Danny Masterson
I like Danny Masterson. I loathe scientology. But more than anything I abhor the "believe all women" schtick. People lie. People are opportunistic. People are devious. Danny Masterson may be absolute scum but I always thought the legal system could never rest on she said, he said. Multiple claimants or not, stories can be fabricated, evidence cannot. Where is proof of him sourcing drugs? Where is the physical evidence, or photographs? I just cannot see that the burden of proof was truly met here.
"Believe all women" is an analogue of racism, just like "Women can't be trusted" and "She makes women look bad." I abhor grouping. Thank you for using the word "people" since both sexes are capable of good and evil. I abhor those who treat women as toddlers and I also abhor those women who want to be treated as toddlers. I just don't feel sorry for those who say Masterson raped them but then continued a relationship. I know it's hard to leave a group but at some point, one has to make adult choices.
Not saying that Danny Masterson is innocent...but was there drug tests, or DNA rape kits on the victims? Word of mouth testimony does not always equate the truth. How do you convict someone without physical evidence? Am I missing something?
What part of "Police did not move forward with '03 investigation due to a coordinated attack on Jane Doe's character and the truthfulness of her report from high ranking Scientologists" do you not understand?
Jessica, nice job defending a convicted serial rapist. LOVE that you left out "...a hung jury is normal, and only a 2nd hung jury is considered indicative for prosecution or the judge to start questioning the merit of the case", easily found details such as the corroborated witness' testimony of dozens of individuals directly after the rapes (including point of time dated documents), the type of threats and harm inflicted that Masterson was aware of which includes but is not limited to: killing her dogs, break ins, repeated punishments within the Scientology church like hours of brainwashing Doe: telling her experience did not happen, no one will believe her, she will lose contact with everyone she holds dear, and she is only saying these things due to the evil "thetans" trapped in her body, as well as physical labor, social isolation, and excessive costs, and many more post-Scientology membership threats and stressful encounters.
Worst of all you left out: Danny Masterson ADMITTED HE DID IT, except he believed, his actions weren't tantamount to rape!
Why did you include quotes from Danny Materson, but zero from the victims or the victims attorney? Disgusting bias. You had room to include the celebs you saw milling about. Even the slightly more straightforward Masterson trial journalist you spoke with exhibited misogyny when she considered the lives of Masteron's family, yet NOT how the lives of his victims are affected by the verdict.
How many more studies need to come out that repeat the dismal numbers of rapes actually reported? If only 4 came forward, then statistically, that means there are 32 other victims silently suffering. How about you put in an ounce of effort and do real journalism, the kind that requires a spine: Write about the rampant bribery between top LA PD and the church of Scientology.
Oh and @RMP, DNA rape kits are considered circumstantial evidence, witness testimony is direct evidence. I don't have the same expectation of rigor since you are not a journalist, but there's really no excuse when you have the all the information at your fingertips. Have you ever considered the difference between, "Believe women." and "Believe all women." It is evident you are oriented towards the latter, therefore solely looking for information that confirms your bias.
Edit: Jessica if you read this, I welcome your explanation or response to any of the points I made above. Please disclose your affiliations, if any, to the church of Scientology - whether membership or a financial relationship, or affiliations to the representation of the prosecution or the victims. Also, I would like to know, though the answer can be skipped or answered in much more vague terms, if you or a close family member has experienced sexual assault. I am curious as to the mind state and thought process of women who harbor sexual discrimination towards female victims even after a fair and legal conviction.
These are not terms strewn about lightly. While it angers me to read your one-sided narrative and quick agreements to comments, I do want to understand from an objective and logical basis the cause and effect and/or loss vs reward mental underpinnings. Please answer in free form. However, if the scope feels too broad, then here are a few starters:
1. Have you ever written from the position of female victims wrt high profile court cases involving rape or violent/serial sexual assault? If yes, how was the article received? Compared to writing for male victims/defendants of near equal visibility and stature, which faired better (in terms of several variables)?
2. What is the audience composition on Substack? What have you inferred about their preferences of opinions and angles of news/media coverage?
3. Since you reply to comments frequently, have you noticed if you are emotionally or professionally affected by their compositions? What are the downstream effects?
4. What is success defined as on Substack? How does that affect your choices?
5. Speak to your political positions (if you consider yourself politically active such as keeping up with legislation and legislators/judicial nominees/executive branch personnel) and the influence they may or may not have on your articles.
Note: These are just example and a jumping off point, please do not limit your answers to these 5 suggestions.
If I went to the police station and said that 20 years ago a man raped me. And described what happened. Would he go to jail for 15 years? Because it appears that after a trial with zero evidence, any woman should be able to go to the police and make an accusation and their accused rapist be sent to jail for fifteen years. Or am I missing something? As a mother of boys (and girls!) this makes me nervous.
Yep, and I wonder if there is only a case at all because he IS famous. Would it even be taken seriously this late after the fact if he weren’t famous 🤔
I want to know what was used or shown as actual evidence of his guilt at his trials, if anything at all. I don’t think I could ever convict someone just on a person’s testimony of what they said happened. Especially ex lovers. Doesn’t make any logical sense to me at all. I’m not saying he’s innocent but definitely doesn’t sound like they proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
I wholeheartedly agree. Most everything that happens involving the rich and famous, particularly in Hollywood, seems to come with a huge shroud of suspicion and I think it is much worse to punish an innocent man.
These women filed Scientology reports over and over, were punished, forced to do the run down for causing their own assault. This is what made Lisa Marie leave the Church. She was there when Jane Doe #1 was raped.
Were the reports presented in court? And did the “ethics counselor” testify to meeting with Jane Doe on the occasions she testified to? I’m confused if there was other evidence aside from testimony? I didn’t follow the case so I don’t know anything aside from Jessica’s info!
"Beyond a reasonable doubt" seems not to be part of many Americans' lexicons.
I've seen trials in action, so I know how inflated judge's egos are. If they believe in a certain verdict, they will do all they can to guide witless jurors to their POV.
I've been sexually violated, so I know the shame, fear, disgust and rage that evokes in a human being.
I also know regret is not rape, and too many women conflate those two after they make foolish choices.
I had followed Masterson's prior mistrial, but missed this new legal proceeding. That should have been a simple not guilty decision. Masterson wasn't on trial though, Scientology and Me Too were. And Me Too won.
Sidenote: Leah Remini is a ridiculous character. I read her biography and denial ain't just a river... She is totally lacking in self awareness.
I agree, however, if your lawyer knows you and has heard you talk about these situations, possibly they’re trying to protect them from their own emotions. Some people have extreme difficulty expressing their outrage at a situation and then say things that can be twisted and manipulated against them.
We’ve all seen people’s emotions out of control. I don’t have an opinion about his guilt or innocence at all. But I do know how I’d feel looking at my wife, in court, and thinking of my darling daughter at home knowing everything is at risk. The anger in him regarding these outcome was maybe just too much to handle while thinking of losing them.
Only a bad idea if your lawyer knows you’re guilty of something.
I do think it is quite ridiculous to come out now with these allegations but it has happened to me and I never reported it. He to me fits the type for aggressive behavior/entitled brat
I agree. In the end that is what Depp did. Put his dirty laundry out for the world. The result in doing so gave the world a chance to form their own opinion on his credibility. It worked!
It’s honestly hard for me to support Danny when Bijou has a history of being a mean girl and she didn’t believe her sister about their dad sexually abusing her.
I don’t understand what that has to do with a man accused of rape decades after it supposedly occurred based solely on the word of the accuser. His wife was a bitch growing up = he’s a rapist? I imagine a lot of Hollywood children are horrible, does that mean they all married rapists??
EVERYONE in that group knew what he was doing. It was a joke among life long Scientologist. More victims will start coming out, 2ore on tiktoc have came out now. You guys need to watch Aaron Smith-Levin. He has done a TON of videos with past Scientology wen who were raped in Scientology or molested - TEXTBOOK Scientology. Lisa Marie herself was molested by Scientologist Michael Edward's at 12 & she told Priscilla.. who did not leave him until she was 16. 🤢🤮
This conviction feels outlandish. I don’t know much about the case or trial except what you have written here. So my opinions are mostly based on the legal system than Masterson himself. I think it’s important to note that there are very valid reasons that cases like rape have a statue of limitations, excluding children of course. The recollection of 20 year old, allegedly drugged, memories are often unreliable. And when the memories are traumatic that adds another layer of difficulty in recounting said memory with the needed accuracy for a conviction. This does not mean it’s not possible but it is harder. Long term memory recall is tricky under the best of circumstances. I imagine the women went through extensive therapy and trial coaching to polish their testimony to perfection. I don’t know the women, but I imagine they have a number of things to work through, besides the rape, considering they were all Scientologists which is a dark unscrupulous entity and I feel for them.
But also, to me, it is unimaginable that the jurors had all of their questions answered via the testimony provided by these women. That there were no holes, no pun intended, to be filled. No alternative scenarios, nothing that would suggest it’s possible he didn’t rape these women. This trial and it’s verdict has implications on a much broader scope than just an alleged (now convicted) rapist’s allegations, trial and conviction. A man’s life is essentially over. The trial shouldn’t be so questionable.
I’ll say this. I was sexually abused from roughly 3-5 years old. I’ll be 40 this year and I vividly remember things I wish I didn’t. I didn’t start remembering things until after 13. So saying 20 year old memories are unreliable you are incorrect.
Kathleen, you wrote: "The recollection of 20 year old, allegedly drugged, memories are often unreliable." I'm curious how you imagine your 20 year old memories of being raped are "unreliable." How do you imagine not remembering how you felt whether you were drugged and experience agonizing physical pain or, you were completely conscious? How do you forget that? How are these most potent physical, emotional, mental and soul violation memories in your life experience "unreliable"? Have you ever been raped? Violated in any way? Do you believe your own "memories" are "unreliable"?
Yesss!! Thank you for this. Once sexually assaulted or raped, the victims ENTIRE life changes. The assault is burned in one’s brain, as well as the feelings of FEAR, SHAME, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, every negative emotion, you name it. And THAT is fucking reliable.
We as women need to support each other. The downfall of this entire situation is the “I was a victim but was told to keep quiet”, mentality. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, find another woman to go with you to an ED and have a rape kit done. Do not go home. Do not shower. There is no shame in having one done and most EDs will be compassionate. Blood work done could’ve easily corroborated each of these victims.
There should always be evidence collected. And there should be a discussion among your friends as to who is brave enough to drag you to the ED in the absence of good sense.
Memories are unreliable. As a victim of abuse as a child, both my sister and I were present during one such event, and each of us has a completely different memory of the incident. So unfortunately, yes, our brains don’t always get it right. That’s why you never not go to an ED and do a rape kit if you suspect it. There’s no repercussion if it turns out you weren’t raped. But to not go is irresponsible. Yes, you’re thinking is skewed and that’s why a friend pact of being backup for you or them is so important. The friend insists you do the kit for your well being overall.
To say to yourself that your "memories are unreliable" is iself self-betrayal and self-gaslighting. This is precisely the words of mk ultra mind kon-troll programing infecting your consciousness slipped in from every movie. TV. Comedy, cartoon, books and more all conditioning you not to even trust yourself, your most fundamental sacred right of being. This self-betrayal programming is how they win when one succumbs to their implants of their death kult of anti-life. Good luck with living a life of not trusting you very own self. And, if you don't trust you, then you're not able to trust others or support young peoole tontrust themselves?
But surely trauma is experienced differently for everyone right. Some remember every painful detail, others forget for their very survival, some memories are muddied by the trauma. There is no one way for all when it comes to trauma
Exactly. There is no certainty in it. Which is unfortunate. And, why if you are a victim, no matter what, you go right then and do a rape kit. Then decide after if you want to pursue it. A simple drug test can go a long way in proving guilt. But 20 years later with no evidence is a stretch. Add in a “friend” with an ax to grind it gives it a feeling of once again being coerced into a bad situation.
No one can "enlighten" you. We choose our own level of awareness. No one can do that for us. No matter what someone puts in front of us, we perceive, believe only what we want to.
I’m also concerned of the coercive control and group like thinking.... criminal like behavior becomes normalized and victims are shushed- it’s so sad because it happens in families and groups. I didnt know much about this situation but it was a good read as always
i’ve always said that there is no justice in the justice system... regardless if he is actually innocent or guilty, it doesn’t seem that he was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. i would have to think that statutes of limitations need to be in place for a he-said/she-said trial without any hard evidence.
as a victim of an armed home invasion, i watched my perpetrator take a plea deal and walk away with only 2 years of probation, and i begged to take it to trial instead and risk him walking free because that sentence gave me no protection. the prosecutor declined and took the deal because that’s a W in his books.
the justice system lets violent criminals walk, while imprisoning people 20+ years after the alleged crime, all in the name of justice. 🫠
Exactly, it seems like most prosecutors only want to make a notch for a win and do not care whose lives are destroyed. They sacrifice innocent people for their careers. It is disgusting.
There is a tremendous amount of evidence in his case that we're not privy to that is in the evidence for this case. The jury made a decision from a huge amount of evidence including medical records from victims who went to the hospital right after the alleged rapes from him. You can get access some of of the evidence because ibwas able to read some of it. There is much more to this case than what is in this article. Ibdont think Jess is trying to present all the evidence here but rather sharing about these dramas around the case that are interesting to us. And, for information on the evidence, you can find that too and you'll see there really is evidence that made thrm make their decision. Sorry I'm rambling. I'm typing w my 2 thumbs on my cell phone. I'm not an expert obviously. Jist trying to offer a little more extended awareness on this part.
Your point about him having a family should have no bearing on his guilt or innocence. Many murderers and rapists have innocent unknowing families. It doesn't make them any more saintly.
This reads like the judge wanted a conviction no matter how he got it he would prevail. Danny Masterson should never have settled his first allegation. That left the door open for all the others to walk through.
I am not convinced either way, and I suspect there was a lot of casting couch decisions made, on the part of those young women. It’s a horrible situation but if they have any scruples at all, this will not bring them the peace they are seeking.
Leah Remini is a grabbing-attention whore who's only relevance is was she can say about her years in the Scientology Church. Certainly, I wouldn't bet my life on Masterson's innocence, but this trail looks more on what we have seen lately: an ode to feminism.
Curious if you watched her show where she interviews people affected by the church? I went in without much of an opinion and thought the show was very eye-opening.
Another reminder of the mere fact that words or claims of white women in North America are the law and thus, so dangerous. It's enough to make the good suffer for the bad actors in the case of pursuit of friendships, relationships, or intimacy of any kind with said women. Be suspicious always seems to be more and more sensible now than ever before. It's better to assume all the good or decent ones are taken, assume the worst, and only change your position with continuous proof of genuineness, the all-important internal debate necessarily kept at the back of one's mind lol; I suppose this applies more so based on how financially successful or publicly successful you are as well. Us ordinary plebs MIGHT be ok after all if we keep on the straight and narrow; that's a huge 'might'. What is so scary is that all it takes is some jealousy/envy, bitterness, anger, greed or the mentally unstable to set off events that can destroy a man's life or reputation. The mere fact that they are so confident in what just saying something, or saying anything for that matter can accomplish is proof in itself. They can just say what they want or the fact they can call the authorities and know they will automatically be believed is something otherworldly; they have been pedestalized at this point. Feminism empowered them, and neo-feminism commandeered that power and is slowly destroying them from the inside. The decent women out there will suffer undoubtedly, they probably are already suffering from a suspicion of quality of character perspective. Maybe the solution is to document any and all interactions when it comes to interactions with these otherworldly creatures; life in the west has become a huge reality show. It is probably safer to just observe rather than interact.
There is zero truth to you saying that white women can go to the authorities and automatically be believed. That their words and claims are “the law.” Rape convictions are still a joke in this country. They get a slap on the wrist more than half the time. Have you heard of the Brock Turner case? Have you experienced what it’s like to be a women in this country? We are not automatically believed, even with ample evidence. Only recently have the tides turned and there is still a long way to go.
As for this particular case, I can’t tell what I think yet. I’m inclined to believe there wasn’t enough evidence to convict him. But this verdict, unfair or not (and if it was unfair then that should also be taken seriously), is not proof that women are automatically taken seriously.
Please educate yourself. We need a society where the collective work together for truth and human rights. Feminism is not anti man, it’s pro equality. I’d like equality for everyone and we’re absolutely not there yet.
Scientology had YEARS of Documentation. Tons of internal documents. This is their M.O. Fair Game is a ABSOLUTE LAW per L. RON HUBBARD. It's why Tom Cruises ex's alllllllllll had to flee into the night. Nicole still doesn't have her kids.
Yeah I know about Nicole’s kids :/ I’m not a fan of Scientology at all but it’s also hard to figure out what is fact vs fiction sometimes. As for the years of documentation, are you saying they have documentation over this case? Tell me more!
I like Danny Masterson. I loathe scientology. But more than anything I abhor the "believe all women" schtick. People lie. People are opportunistic. People are devious. Danny Masterson may be absolute scum but I always thought the legal system could never rest on she said, he said. Multiple claimants or not, stories can be fabricated, evidence cannot. Where is proof of him sourcing drugs? Where is the physical evidence, or photographs? I just cannot see that the burden of proof was truly met here.
Believe all women?
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve Amber Heard.
🤣
This is gold
I’m ded☠️🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂
😅
"Believe all women" is an analogue of racism, just like "Women can't be trusted" and "She makes women look bad." I abhor grouping. Thank you for using the word "people" since both sexes are capable of good and evil. I abhor those who treat women as toddlers and I also abhor those women who want to be treated as toddlers. I just don't feel sorry for those who say Masterson raped them but then continued a relationship. I know it's hard to leave a group but at some point, one has to make adult choices.
Not saying that Danny Masterson is innocent...but was there drug tests, or DNA rape kits on the victims? Word of mouth testimony does not always equate the truth. How do you convict someone without physical evidence? Am I missing something?
None of that was included, no.
What part of "Police did not move forward with '03 investigation due to a coordinated attack on Jane Doe's character and the truthfulness of her report from high ranking Scientologists" do you not understand?
Jessica, nice job defending a convicted serial rapist. LOVE that you left out "...a hung jury is normal, and only a 2nd hung jury is considered indicative for prosecution or the judge to start questioning the merit of the case", easily found details such as the corroborated witness' testimony of dozens of individuals directly after the rapes (including point of time dated documents), the type of threats and harm inflicted that Masterson was aware of which includes but is not limited to: killing her dogs, break ins, repeated punishments within the Scientology church like hours of brainwashing Doe: telling her experience did not happen, no one will believe her, she will lose contact with everyone she holds dear, and she is only saying these things due to the evil "thetans" trapped in her body, as well as physical labor, social isolation, and excessive costs, and many more post-Scientology membership threats and stressful encounters.
Worst of all you left out: Danny Masterson ADMITTED HE DID IT, except he believed, his actions weren't tantamount to rape!
Why did you include quotes from Danny Materson, but zero from the victims or the victims attorney? Disgusting bias. You had room to include the celebs you saw milling about. Even the slightly more straightforward Masterson trial journalist you spoke with exhibited misogyny when she considered the lives of Masteron's family, yet NOT how the lives of his victims are affected by the verdict.
How many more studies need to come out that repeat the dismal numbers of rapes actually reported? If only 4 came forward, then statistically, that means there are 32 other victims silently suffering. How about you put in an ounce of effort and do real journalism, the kind that requires a spine: Write about the rampant bribery between top LA PD and the church of Scientology.
Oh and @RMP, DNA rape kits are considered circumstantial evidence, witness testimony is direct evidence. I don't have the same expectation of rigor since you are not a journalist, but there's really no excuse when you have the all the information at your fingertips. Have you ever considered the difference between, "Believe women." and "Believe all women." It is evident you are oriented towards the latter, therefore solely looking for information that confirms your bias.
Edit: Jessica if you read this, I welcome your explanation or response to any of the points I made above. Please disclose your affiliations, if any, to the church of Scientology - whether membership or a financial relationship, or affiliations to the representation of the prosecution or the victims. Also, I would like to know, though the answer can be skipped or answered in much more vague terms, if you or a close family member has experienced sexual assault. I am curious as to the mind state and thought process of women who harbor sexual discrimination towards female victims even after a fair and legal conviction.
These are not terms strewn about lightly. While it angers me to read your one-sided narrative and quick agreements to comments, I do want to understand from an objective and logical basis the cause and effect and/or loss vs reward mental underpinnings. Please answer in free form. However, if the scope feels too broad, then here are a few starters:
1. Have you ever written from the position of female victims wrt high profile court cases involving rape or violent/serial sexual assault? If yes, how was the article received? Compared to writing for male victims/defendants of near equal visibility and stature, which faired better (in terms of several variables)?
2. What is the audience composition on Substack? What have you inferred about their preferences of opinions and angles of news/media coverage?
3. Since you reply to comments frequently, have you noticed if you are emotionally or professionally affected by their compositions? What are the downstream effects?
4. What is success defined as on Substack? How does that affect your choices?
5. Speak to your political positions (if you consider yourself politically active such as keeping up with legislation and legislators/judicial nominees/executive branch personnel) and the influence they may or may not have on your articles.
Note: These are just example and a jumping off point, please do not limit your answers to these 5 suggestions.
If I went to the police station and said that 20 years ago a man raped me. And described what happened. Would he go to jail for 15 years? Because it appears that after a trial with zero evidence, any woman should be able to go to the police and make an accusation and their accused rapist be sent to jail for fifteen years. Or am I missing something? As a mother of boys (and girls!) this makes me nervous.
It concerns me too. Especially because people are so adamantly decided on these cases while knowing very little about them.
I was JUST having this conversation last week! I have sons AND daughters..this is VERY concerning.
Yep, and I wonder if there is only a case at all because he IS famous. Would it even be taken seriously this late after the fact if he weren’t famous 🤔
I want to know what was used or shown as actual evidence of his guilt at his trials, if anything at all. I don’t think I could ever convict someone just on a person’s testimony of what they said happened. Especially ex lovers. Doesn’t make any logical sense to me at all. I’m not saying he’s innocent but definitely doesn’t sound like they proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is a major point of debate here. I can’t answer because I wasn’t in trial, but I do know lots in court we’re saying this.
I wholeheartedly agree. Most everything that happens involving the rich and famous, particularly in Hollywood, seems to come with a huge shroud of suspicion and I think it is much worse to punish an innocent man.
These women filed Scientology reports over and over, were punished, forced to do the run down for causing their own assault. This is what made Lisa Marie leave the Church. She was there when Jane Doe #1 was raped.
Were the reports presented in court? And did the “ethics counselor” testify to meeting with Jane Doe on the occasions she testified to? I’m confused if there was other evidence aside from testimony? I didn’t follow the case so I don’t know anything aside from Jessica’s info!
"Beyond a reasonable doubt" seems not to be part of many Americans' lexicons.
I've seen trials in action, so I know how inflated judge's egos are. If they believe in a certain verdict, they will do all they can to guide witless jurors to their POV.
I've been sexually violated, so I know the shame, fear, disgust and rage that evokes in a human being.
I also know regret is not rape, and too many women conflate those two after they make foolish choices.
I had followed Masterson's prior mistrial, but missed this new legal proceeding. That should have been a simple not guilty decision. Masterson wasn't on trial though, Scientology and Me Too were. And Me Too won.
Sidenote: Leah Remini is a ridiculous character. I read her biography and denial ain't just a river... She is totally lacking in self awareness.
I feel like if I was innocent I would 100% get up on that stand and make my voice heard.
I sometimes think these defendants are making a big mistake by consistently deciding not to testify.
I agree, however, if your lawyer knows you and has heard you talk about these situations, possibly they’re trying to protect them from their own emotions. Some people have extreme difficulty expressing their outrage at a situation and then say things that can be twisted and manipulated against them.
We’ve all seen people’s emotions out of control. I don’t have an opinion about his guilt or innocence at all. But I do know how I’d feel looking at my wife, in court, and thinking of my darling daughter at home knowing everything is at risk. The anger in him regarding these outcome was maybe just too much to handle while thinking of losing them.
And do his attorney just said no. 🤷🏻♀️
Not if your lawyer tells you it is a bad idea and you have a family you desperately want to be with.
Only a bad idea if your lawyer knows you’re guilty of something.
I do think it is quite ridiculous to come out now with these allegations but it has happened to me and I never reported it. He to me fits the type for aggressive behavior/entitled brat
I agree. In the end that is what Depp did. Put his dirty laundry out for the world. The result in doing so gave the world a chance to form their own opinion on his credibility. It worked!
Imagine how many more Hollywood celebs have done and gotten away with this type of behavior. Especially in that twisted church.
It’s honestly hard for me to support Danny when Bijou has a history of being a mean girl and she didn’t believe her sister about their dad sexually abusing her.
I think that’s two very separate issues.
I don’t understand what that has to do with a man accused of rape decades after it supposedly occurred based solely on the word of the accuser. His wife was a bitch growing up = he’s a rapist? I imagine a lot of Hollywood children are horrible, does that mean they all married rapists??
She also, as I understand it, had a very rough childhood. I don’t judgement on bijou is relevant.
Very interesting point. Very, very well said.
This
EVERYONE in that group knew what he was doing. It was a joke among life long Scientologist. More victims will start coming out, 2ore on tiktoc have came out now. You guys need to watch Aaron Smith-Levin. He has done a TON of videos with past Scientology wen who were raped in Scientology or molested - TEXTBOOK Scientology. Lisa Marie herself was molested by Scientologist Michael Edward's at 12 & she told Priscilla.. who did not leave him until she was 16. 🤢🤮
This conviction feels outlandish. I don’t know much about the case or trial except what you have written here. So my opinions are mostly based on the legal system than Masterson himself. I think it’s important to note that there are very valid reasons that cases like rape have a statue of limitations, excluding children of course. The recollection of 20 year old, allegedly drugged, memories are often unreliable. And when the memories are traumatic that adds another layer of difficulty in recounting said memory with the needed accuracy for a conviction. This does not mean it’s not possible but it is harder. Long term memory recall is tricky under the best of circumstances. I imagine the women went through extensive therapy and trial coaching to polish their testimony to perfection. I don’t know the women, but I imagine they have a number of things to work through, besides the rape, considering they were all Scientologists which is a dark unscrupulous entity and I feel for them.
But also, to me, it is unimaginable that the jurors had all of their questions answered via the testimony provided by these women. That there were no holes, no pun intended, to be filled. No alternative scenarios, nothing that would suggest it’s possible he didn’t rape these women. This trial and it’s verdict has implications on a much broader scope than just an alleged (now convicted) rapist’s allegations, trial and conviction. A man’s life is essentially over. The trial shouldn’t be so questionable.
I’ll say this. I was sexually abused from roughly 3-5 years old. I’ll be 40 this year and I vividly remember things I wish I didn’t. I didn’t start remembering things until after 13. So saying 20 year old memories are unreliable you are incorrect.
I’m so sorry 🩷
Thank you. I’m a survivor and my biggest pet peeve is people telling others they won’t remember things. ❤️
I am also very sorry and send a virtual hug. ❤️
Thank you. ❤️
Kathleen, you wrote: "The recollection of 20 year old, allegedly drugged, memories are often unreliable." I'm curious how you imagine your 20 year old memories of being raped are "unreliable." How do you imagine not remembering how you felt whether you were drugged and experience agonizing physical pain or, you were completely conscious? How do you forget that? How are these most potent physical, emotional, mental and soul violation memories in your life experience "unreliable"? Have you ever been raped? Violated in any way? Do you believe your own "memories" are "unreliable"?
Yesss!! Thank you for this. Once sexually assaulted or raped, the victims ENTIRE life changes. The assault is burned in one’s brain, as well as the feelings of FEAR, SHAME, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, every negative emotion, you name it. And THAT is fucking reliable.
We as women need to support each other. The downfall of this entire situation is the “I was a victim but was told to keep quiet”, mentality. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, find another woman to go with you to an ED and have a rape kit done. Do not go home. Do not shower. There is no shame in having one done and most EDs will be compassionate. Blood work done could’ve easily corroborated each of these victims.
There should always be evidence collected. And there should be a discussion among your friends as to who is brave enough to drag you to the ED in the absence of good sense.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Memories are unreliable. As a victim of abuse as a child, both my sister and I were present during one such event, and each of us has a completely different memory of the incident. So unfortunately, yes, our brains don’t always get it right. That’s why you never not go to an ED and do a rape kit if you suspect it. There’s no repercussion if it turns out you weren’t raped. But to not go is irresponsible. Yes, you’re thinking is skewed and that’s why a friend pact of being backup for you or them is so important. The friend insists you do the kit for your well being overall.
To say to yourself that your "memories are unreliable" is iself self-betrayal and self-gaslighting. This is precisely the words of mk ultra mind kon-troll programing infecting your consciousness slipped in from every movie. TV. Comedy, cartoon, books and more all conditioning you not to even trust yourself, your most fundamental sacred right of being. This self-betrayal programming is how they win when one succumbs to their implants of their death kult of anti-life. Good luck with living a life of not trusting you very own self. And, if you don't trust you, then you're not able to trust others or support young peoole tontrust themselves?
I’m going to go with the popular “it’s my lived experience” then. Thank you for playing.
But surely trauma is experienced differently for everyone right. Some remember every painful detail, others forget for their very survival, some memories are muddied by the trauma. There is no one way for all when it comes to trauma
Exactly. There is no certainty in it. Which is unfortunate. And, why if you are a victim, no matter what, you go right then and do a rape kit. Then decide after if you want to pursue it. A simple drug test can go a long way in proving guilt. But 20 years later with no evidence is a stretch. Add in a “friend” with an ax to grind it gives it a feeling of once again being coerced into a bad situation.
And here is the research article https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-03333-001.html
They are according to a research https://bnn.network/breaking-news/social/human-memories-are-unreliable-and-prone-to-distortion-because-of-tendency-for-complete-storylines-study-reveals/
Guess who this "study" serves. Guess who paid for this "study." Guess what they want from you for reading it.
Why don 't you enlighten me?
No one can "enlighten" you. We choose our own level of awareness. No one can do that for us. No matter what someone puts in front of us, we perceive, believe only what we want to.
Unless you show me receipts, you will not be taken seriously. Have a nice life..
I’m also concerned of the coercive control and group like thinking.... criminal like behavior becomes normalized and victims are shushed- it’s so sad because it happens in families and groups. I didnt know much about this situation but it was a good read as always
i’ve always said that there is no justice in the justice system... regardless if he is actually innocent or guilty, it doesn’t seem that he was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. i would have to think that statutes of limitations need to be in place for a he-said/she-said trial without any hard evidence.
as a victim of an armed home invasion, i watched my perpetrator take a plea deal and walk away with only 2 years of probation, and i begged to take it to trial instead and risk him walking free because that sentence gave me no protection. the prosecutor declined and took the deal because that’s a W in his books.
the justice system lets violent criminals walk, while imprisoning people 20+ years after the alleged crime, all in the name of justice. 🫠
That’s what seems so wrong here, child abusers seem to get off light and this case with no hard evidence gets this life long sentence, huh??
Exactly, it seems like most prosecutors only want to make a notch for a win and do not care whose lives are destroyed. They sacrifice innocent people for their careers. It is disgusting.
There is a tremendous amount of evidence in his case that we're not privy to that is in the evidence for this case. The jury made a decision from a huge amount of evidence including medical records from victims who went to the hospital right after the alleged rapes from him. You can get access some of of the evidence because ibwas able to read some of it. There is much more to this case than what is in this article. Ibdont think Jess is trying to present all the evidence here but rather sharing about these dramas around the case that are interesting to us. And, for information on the evidence, you can find that too and you'll see there really is evidence that made thrm make their decision. Sorry I'm rambling. I'm typing w my 2 thumbs on my cell phone. I'm not an expert obviously. Jist trying to offer a little more extended awareness on this part.
Your point about him having a family should have no bearing on his guilt or innocence. Many murderers and rapists have innocent unknowing families. It doesn't make them any more saintly.
I point out him having a family because it’s part of the story. Doesn’t have anything to do with guilt or innocence.
I feel like you don’t try to silence people if there is no truth. Just my two cents.
I agree but also think it might be different if you’re famous and have a public reputation on the line? 🤷🏽♀️
This reads like the judge wanted a conviction no matter how he got it he would prevail. Danny Masterson should never have settled his first allegation. That left the door open for all the others to walk through.
I am not convinced either way, and I suspect there was a lot of casting couch decisions made, on the part of those young women. It’s a horrible situation but if they have any scruples at all, this will not bring them the peace they are seeking.
Agree. The settlement was (and often is) a big mistake if you’re going to claim “innocence” later
Leah Remini is a grabbing-attention whore who's only relevance is was she can say about her years in the Scientology Church. Certainly, I wouldn't bet my life on Masterson's innocence, but this trail looks more on what we have seen lately: an ode to feminism.
Curious if you watched her show where she interviews people affected by the church? I went in without much of an opinion and thought the show was very eye-opening.
Not true. She’s exceptional in King of Queens.
The fact she and JLo are buddies turned me off to her long ago.
Ha!!!
Another reminder of the mere fact that words or claims of white women in North America are the law and thus, so dangerous. It's enough to make the good suffer for the bad actors in the case of pursuit of friendships, relationships, or intimacy of any kind with said women. Be suspicious always seems to be more and more sensible now than ever before. It's better to assume all the good or decent ones are taken, assume the worst, and only change your position with continuous proof of genuineness, the all-important internal debate necessarily kept at the back of one's mind lol; I suppose this applies more so based on how financially successful or publicly successful you are as well. Us ordinary plebs MIGHT be ok after all if we keep on the straight and narrow; that's a huge 'might'. What is so scary is that all it takes is some jealousy/envy, bitterness, anger, greed or the mentally unstable to set off events that can destroy a man's life or reputation. The mere fact that they are so confident in what just saying something, or saying anything for that matter can accomplish is proof in itself. They can just say what they want or the fact they can call the authorities and know they will automatically be believed is something otherworldly; they have been pedestalized at this point. Feminism empowered them, and neo-feminism commandeered that power and is slowly destroying them from the inside. The decent women out there will suffer undoubtedly, they probably are already suffering from a suspicion of quality of character perspective. Maybe the solution is to document any and all interactions when it comes to interactions with these otherworldly creatures; life in the west has become a huge reality show. It is probably safer to just observe rather than interact.
There is zero truth to you saying that white women can go to the authorities and automatically be believed. That their words and claims are “the law.” Rape convictions are still a joke in this country. They get a slap on the wrist more than half the time. Have you heard of the Brock Turner case? Have you experienced what it’s like to be a women in this country? We are not automatically believed, even with ample evidence. Only recently have the tides turned and there is still a long way to go.
As for this particular case, I can’t tell what I think yet. I’m inclined to believe there wasn’t enough evidence to convict him. But this verdict, unfair or not (and if it was unfair then that should also be taken seriously), is not proof that women are automatically taken seriously.
Please educate yourself. We need a society where the collective work together for truth and human rights. Feminism is not anti man, it’s pro equality. I’d like equality for everyone and we’re absolutely not there yet.
Scientology had YEARS of Documentation. Tons of internal documents. This is their M.O. Fair Game is a ABSOLUTE LAW per L. RON HUBBARD. It's why Tom Cruises ex's alllllllllll had to flee into the night. Nicole still doesn't have her kids.
Yeah I know about Nicole’s kids :/ I’m not a fan of Scientology at all but it’s also hard to figure out what is fact vs fiction sometimes. As for the years of documentation, are you saying they have documentation over this case? Tell me more!
Thanks so much for the great discussion!
Can’t wait to do it again!