Danny Masterson victims calmly answer Scientology’s latest whine in lawsuit

On Wednesday, a hearing is scheduled in the Bixler v. Scientology lawsuit, the one filed by Danny Masterson’s victims against the imprisoned Scientology celebrity and against the church itself.

This lawsuit was originally filed in 2019, before Masterson was charged criminally in 2020, and it was originally about the harassment these women say they’ve been through since coming forward to the LAPD in 2016, and not about the sexual assaults themselves.

But since Masterson was put away last year and a stay was lifted on the Bixler lawsuit, the women are attempting to bolster it with allegations of sexual battery, they want to bring in an additional plaintiff (actress Tricia Vessey), and they want to add racketeering allegations and prove that Scientology itself is a criminal enterprise.

We told you that Scientology, not surprisingly, is opposed to allowing a new amended complaint with all of those additional allegations. In particular, Scientology pointed to the fact that Judge Upinder Kalra has yet to rule on the church’s anti-SLAPP motions and their attempt to gut the lawsuit. Without that ruling, they argued, the Jane Does should not be allowed to amend the lawsuit.

Now, with a few days to go before the hearing, the Jane Does have answered that with a reply from Simon Leen, one of their attorneys, that says Scientology is making arguments that aren’t backed up by case law.

In fact, Leen points out, previous cases are on their side: While Judge Kalra is still making up his mind about Scientology’s attempt to anti-SLAPP some of their allegations, there’s nothing preventing the court from allowing in new allegations that have nothing to do with the ones he’s mulling over. And in fact, Leen says, if Scientology doesn’t like the new allegations, they can always file additional anti-SLAPP motions to try to get them removed. (And knowing Scientology, they probably will.)

As for Scientology’s whining in their opposition that the court shouldn’t allow amendments to a lawsuit that was filed almost five years ago, Leen points out the obvious: There was a pandemic that slowed down litigation, there was a years-long stay on the case as the Masterson’s criminal case went through two trials, and in all that time new allegations became known to them which should be allowed in the lawsuit.

Plaintiffs have sought leave to amend shortly after the case was unstayed, while the parties are in the very initial stages of discovery (which remains stayed
due to Defendants’ anti-SLAPP motions), and with approximately two years remaining before trial. Under these circumstances, courts routinely grant motions to amend.

So once again, Scientology’s gnashing of teeth is answered by what appears to be a pretty calm recitation of logic. Will the judge see it that way?

As we said before, Judge Kalra has a lot to decide in this case, and on Wednesday we are interested to find out which way he’s leaning.

 
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Technology Cocktail

“Dianetics was researched in 1932, ’38, ’45, ’48, ’49, ’50, ’51, ’52 to name the principal early years. It was redeveloped in 1962 and ’63 when I made R-3-R discoveries and re-released. And it was finally realized as per this HCOB in 1969 after further research.” — L. Ron Hubbard, 1969

 
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THE PROSECUTION OF DANNY MASTERSON

We first broke the news of the LAPD’s investigation of Scientology celebrity Danny Masterson on rape allegations in 2017, and we’ve been covering the story every step of the way since then. At this page we’ve collected our most important links as Danny faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison. NOW WITH TRIAL INDEX.

 
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THE PODCAST: How many have you heard?

[1] Marc Headley [2] Claire Headley [3] Jeffrey Augustine [4] Bruce Hines [5] Sunny Pereira [6] Pete Griffiths [7] Geoff Levin [8] Patty Moher [9] Marc Headley [10] Jefferson Hawkins [11] Michelle ‘Emma’ Ryan [12] Paulette Cooper [13] Jesse Prince [14] Mark Bunker [15] Jon Atack [16] Mirriam Francis [17] Bruce Hines on MSH

— SPECIAL: The best TV show on Scientology you never got to see

[1] Phil Jones [2] Derek Bloch [3] Carol Nyburg [4] Katrina Reyes [5] Jamie DeWolf

— The first Danny Masterson trial and beyond

[18] Trial special with Chris Shelton [19] Trial week one [20] Marc Headley on the spy in the hallway [21] Trial week two [22] Trial week three [23] Trial week four [24] Leah Remini on LAPD Corruption [25] Mike Rinder 2022 Thanksgiving Special [26] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part One [27] Jane Doe 4 (Tricia Vessey), Part Two [28] Claire Headley on the trial [29] Tory Christman [30] Bruce Hines on spying [31] Karen de la Carriere [32] Ron Miscavige on Shelly Miscavige [33] Karen de la Carriere on the L’s [34] Mark Bunker on Miscavige hiding [35] Mark Plummer [36] Mark Ebner [37] Karen Pressley [38] Steve Cannane [39] Fredrick Brennan [40] Clarissa Adams [41] Louise Shekter [42] John Sweeney [43] Tory Christman [44] Kate Bornstein [45] Christian Stolte [46] Mark Bunker [47] Jon Atack [48] Luke Y. Thompson [49] Mark Ebner [50] Bruce Hines [51] Spanky Taylor and Karen Pressley [51] Geoff and Robbie Levin [52] Sands Hall [53] Jonny Jacobsen [54] Sandy Holeman

 
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Source Code

“DAILY REPORT: Well, we got out of there all right. This rocking and rolling is done to condition people for the latest dance — The Wriggle and Dive. TWO WAY COMM: It was stated in yesterday’s OOD that Two Way Comm was out in Div 2 and Qual. But it even got typed wrong. ‘Ack’ was used instead of ASK. The sense of it was nobody in Div 2 or Qual ASK (not ack) anybody what it’s all about. So Two Way Comm was out all around. But all joking aside this, the most basic process we ever had, dropped out and must be gotten into action.” — L. Ron Hubbard, March 18, 1970

Avast, Ye Mateys

“Flag auditors are easily the best in the world. They don’t kid around with cases. They know what they can do. The people audited on Flag go out of here to confront the ohs and ahs of their former areas on how changed and great they are. Any org could eventually achieve this stellar level of result. That isn’t just what FLAG does. It’s what any org could do if they really taught their courses and crammed their HGC auditors. Flag is a shining example of what CAN be done with Tech. Not new tech. Just tech. We saved a life last week with 1956 tech and an excellent auditor. That’s the way it must be, will be over the world if we here on Flag do our jobs.” — The Commodore, March 18, 1971

 
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Overheard in the FreeZone

“The RPF was created to remove every one of the good guys who could recognize that the doppelganger was not LRH. Outside of the RPF were only new people who did not know LRH or could be cheated or agents of the enemy. The motorcycle accident helped to keep off people from ‘LRH’ as ‘he was in pain and screaming.’ Who would dare to disturb ‘LRH’ if he was so in pain and crying? Not even family members: ‘LRH’ once shouted ‘Get out of here!’ to his wife, when she was at his door.”

 
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Past is Prologue

1996: An article from the St. Petersburg Times detailed the cult’s request for changes in Clearwater’s housing regulations. The cult wants to pack in twice as many Sea Org members into the Hacienda Gardens, the barracks for low ranking SO and many RPF. “The change would cut in half the required living space and eventually provide homes for the 300 new Scientology staff members needed for the ‘Super Power’ facility, said Richard Haworth, a spokesman for Scientology’s Clearwater-based Flag Service Organization. Hacienda Gardens, 551 N Saturn Ave., has 200 units populated, in large part, by members of Scientology’s Sea Organization, who wear Navy-style uniforms and sign billion-year contracts to devote themselves to Scientology. Sea Org members, as they are called, spend 10 to 14 hours on the job daily. That unusual work schedule, and the fact that they eat their meals at Scientology dining halls and not at home, means that the city’s normal living standards aren’t necessary in Hacienda Gardens, Haworth said. ‘The units are used primarily for sleeping and are seldom used for cooking, entertaining, etc.,’ the Scientology request said. ‘If this variance is not granted, then, among other results, the applicant will be required to acquire additional property for housing purposes, which property will then be removed from the tax rolls.’ The Scientology request asks that in 120 apartments, the city’s minimum dwelling space requirements be cut in half. For a 700-square-foot apartment, for instance, the change would boost the number of Scientologists allowed from six to 13. In April 1992, city building officials cited the church for overcrowding in 34 of the Hacienda Gardens apartments. Scientology officials moved staff members around to alleviate the overcrowding, which they blamed on the logistics of renovating the facility.”

 
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Random Howdy

“I found a notebook on the street back in the 90’s and it was the diary of someone who was obviously mentally ill, probably schizophrenic, and in parts it read just like a lot LRH’s ‘writings,’ like the stuff in today’s article. Looking back, I’m guessing most prophets were either schizo or con men or both, like LRH. That would explain a lot history-wise.”

 
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Full Court Press: What we’re watching at the Underground Bunker

Criminal prosecutions:
— Danny Masterson charged for raping three women: Found guilty on two counts on May 31, remanded to custody. Sentenced to 30 years to life on Sep 7.
— ‘Lafayette Ronald Hubbard’ (a/k/a Justin Craig), aggravated assault, plus drug charges: Grand jury indictments include charges from an assault while in custody. Next pretrial hearing March 26, 2024.
— David Gentile, GPB Capital, fraud.

Civil litigation:
— Leah Remini v. Scientology, alleging ‘Fair Game’ harassment and defamation: Complaint filed August 2, motion to strike/anti-SLAPP motions by Scientology to be heard January 9, 2024.
— Baxter, Baxter, and Paris v. Scientology, alleging labor trafficking: Forced to arbitration. Plaintiffs allowed interlocutory appeal to Eleventh Circuit.
— Valerie Haney v. Scientology: Forced to ‘religious arbitration.’
— Chrissie Bixler et al. v. Scientology and Danny Masterson: motion to file new complaint, hearing on March 20.
— Jane Doe 1 v. Scientology, David Miscavige, and Gavin Potter: Case unsealed and second amended complaint filed. Scientology moves for religious arbitration, hearing on March 26.
— Chiropractors Steve Peyroux and Brent Detelich, stem cell fraud: Ordered to mediation.

 
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SCIENTOLOGY: FAIR GAME

After the success of their double-Emmy-winning, three-season A&E series ‘Scientology and the Aftermath,’ Leah Remini and Mike Rinder continue the conversation on their podcast, ‘Scientology: Fair Game.’ We’ve created a landing page where you can hear all of the episodes so far.

LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE AFTERMATH

An episode-by-episode guide to Leah Remini’s three-season, double-Emmy winning series that changed everything for Scientology watching. Originally aired from 2016 to 2019 on the A&E network, and now on Netflix.

SCIENTOLOGY’S CELEBRITIES, from A to Z

Find your favorite Hubbardite celeb at this index page — or suggest someone to add to the list!

Other links: SCIENTOLOGY BLACK OPS: Tom Cruise and dirty tricks. Scientology’s Ideal Orgs, from one end of the planet to the other. Scientology’s sneaky front groups, spreading the good news about L. Ron Hubbard while pretending to benefit society. Scientology Lit: Books reviewed or excerpted in a weekly series. How many have you read?

 
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THE WHOLE TRACK

[ONE year ago] PODCAST: Clarissa Adams on Scientology ripping apart families right now
[TWO years ago] Scientology enlisting police to indoctrinate kids? Sure, why not!
[THREE years ago] Clearwater City Council denounces ‘Cult City Tours,’ expresses shock at operator behavior
[FOUR years ago] Scientology in the time of plague: Turning to Hubbard’s words on radiation for guidance
[FIVE years ago] Michael Jackson and Scientology: When the Hollywood Celebrity Centre went on lockdown
[SIX years ago] Noted Scientology critic Arnie Lerma shoots and injures wife, then kills himself
[SEVEN years ago] Scientology goes into full smear mode in reaction to Leah Remini getting 2nd season
[EIGHT years ago] Monique Rathbun waives a response: Will the TX Supreme Court take up Scientology’s appeal?
[NINE years ago] Another ‘Secret Lives’ outtake: The neighbor who knew L. Ron Hubbard and his first wife
[TEN years ago] DOX: Monique Rathbun’s response to bid by Scientology to stop the Miscavige deposition
[ELEVEN years ago] Former Executive’s Tell-All Adds to Scientology Rehab Program Meltdown

 
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Posted by Tony Ortega on March 18, 2024 at 07:00

E-mail tips to tonyo94 AT gmail DOT com or follow us on Twitter. We also post updates at our Facebook author page. After every new story we send out an alert to our e-mail list and our FB page.

Our new book with Paulette Cooper, Battlefield Scientology: Exposing L. Ron Hubbard’s dangerous ‘religion’ is now on sale at Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. Our book about Paulette, The Unbreakable Miss Lovely: How the Church of Scientology tried to destroy Paulette Cooper, is on sale at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook versions. We’ve posted photographs of Paulette and scenes from her life at a separate location. Reader Sookie put together a complete index. More information can also be found at the book’s dedicated page.

The Best of the Underground Bunker, 1995-2022 Just starting out here? We’ve picked out the most important stories we’ve covered here at the Underground Bunker (2012-2022), The Village Voice (2008-2012), New Times Los Angeles (1999-2002) and the Phoenix New Times (1995-1999)

Other links: BLOGGING DIANETICS: Reading Scientology’s founding text cover to cover | UP THE BRIDGE: Claire Headley and Bruce Hines train us as Scientologists | GETTING OUR ETHICS IN: Jefferson Hawkins explains Scientology’s system of justice | SCIENTOLOGY MYTHBUSTING: Historian Jon Atack discusses key Scientology concepts | Shelly Miscavige, 15 years gone | The Lisa McPherson story told in real time | The Cathriona White stories | The Leah Remini ‘Knowledge Reports’ | Hear audio of a Scientology excommunication | Scientology’s little day care of horrors | Whatever happened to Steve Fishman? | Felony charges for Scientology’s drug rehab scam | Why Scientology digs bomb-proof vaults in the desert | PZ Myers reads L. Ron Hubbard’s “A History of Man” | Scientology’s Master Spies | The mystery of the richest Scientologist and his wayward sons | Scientology’s shocking mistreatment of the mentally ill | The Underground Bunker’s Official Theme Song | The Underground Bunker FAQ

Watch our short videos that explain Scientology’s controversies in three minutes or less…

Check your whale level at our dedicated page for status updates, or join us at the Underground Bunker’s Facebook discussion group for more frivolity.

Our non-Scientology stories: Robert Burnham Jr., the man who inscribed the universe | Notorious alt-right inspiration Kevin MacDonald and his theories about Jewish DNA | The selling of the “Phoenix Lights” | Astronomer Harlow Shapley‘s FBI file | Sex, spies, and local TV news | Battling Babe-Hounds: Ross Jeffries v. R. Don Steele

 

Tony Ortega at The Daily Beast

 

Tony Ortega at Rolling Stone