LOS ANGELES – Sporadic and intimidating cases brought by four women accused of raping TV actor Danny Masterson should now go through mediation in Church S Scientology, a Los Angeles judge ruled Wednesday.
The verdict comes just days before Masterson’s scheduled trial on three rape charges between 2001 and 2003. In early November, that hearing was held on January 6th.
On Wednesday, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Steven Clayfield ruled that a “religious arbitration” by Chrissy Cornell Bixler, her husband, musician Cedric Bixler-Zawala, Mary Bobette Reals and two Jane Doe must be reconciled by the church. An arbitration agreement already exists between the parties that forces the church to handle disputes through SF Scientology.
As of August 2019, it was claimed that the plaintiff had been bullied and intimidated after the allegation was reported to the police. Cornell Bixler alleges that Masterson repeatedly sexually assaulted her while dating in 2001 and 2002. Bixler-Zawala alleged that “defendants’ agents” attacked their dogs by poisoning them, using automobiles to attack them and harassing phone calls.
Jane Doe # 1 also accused police of damaging property, threats of violence, assault and harassment through sexual harassment as compensation for reporting her alleged rape. Jane Doe # 2 was also part of the lawsuit alleging emotional torture, daughter and invasion of privacy by defendants.
“This was a very accurate result. We hope to mediate the lawsuits,” said Masterson’s attorney, Rev. Andrew Bretler.
Claims made by Bobbitt Reals, who was not a member of the church and thus was not subject to arbitration agreement, were not decided.
The court held a status conference on arbitration for June 30.
