LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Church of Scientologist has attracted controversy about its alleged practices once again as one of its members, Danny Masterson, was convicted of raping two women on Wednesday, May 31. The guilty verdict came after three women took a stand against him. As per reports, Masterson sexually assaulted the victims after spiking their drinks.
It has also been claimed that the women, who were fellow Scientologists, when to the Church officials for help but were advised to keep mum instead. The Church of Scientology was founded by L Ron Hubbard in 1953 and has been criticized as a cult organization by former members. In her closing argument, Ariel Anson, a deputy district attorney, said, “Most of his victims are members of the Church of Scientology, and that makes sense. The church tells his victims: ‘Rape isn’t rape. You cause this. And above all, you can’t go to law enforcement.’”
However, Masterson is not the only prominent celebrity in Hollywood, who follows Scientology. Several famous names are associated with it.
Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld was once linked to the Church of Scientology. Without giving out much information, he reportedly once said, “I did do a course in Scientology in, like, '75 … in New York. Found it very interesting, never pursued it.”
Laura Prepon
In 2021, the ‘Orange Is the New Black’ stated, “I'm no longer practicing Scientology. I've always been very open-minded, even since I was a child. I was raised Catholic and Jewish. I've prayed in churches, and meditated in temples. I've studied Chinese meridian theory. I haven't practiced Scientology in close to five years and it's no longer part of my life.”
Leah Remini
Remini was also once connected to the Church. The actress joined it as a child through her mother. However, she disassociated herself from the organization and its ministry in 2013 for her then-9-year-old daughter, Sofia. She shared with Us Weekly, “I grew up resenting my mother because she was never home. My mom thought she was doing something good; she thought she was helping the planet. That’s what the church tells you. I was saying ‘family first,’ but I wasn’t showing that. I didn’t like the message that sent my daughter.”
The ‘Second Act’ star has been very vocal against the Church and after Masterson’s conviction, she tweeted, “The women who survived Danny Masterson's predation are heroes. For years, they and their families have faced vicious attacks and harassment from Scientology and Danny's well-funded legal team. Nevertheless, they soldiered on, determined to seek justice.”
Jason Lee
Lee was also a member of the Church of Scientology since the 90s. But in 2016, he spoke to a local outlet, The Dentonite, and clarified rumors that had been floating around, “And being that we don't practice Scientology, and that we aren't particularly interested in opening religious centers in general, we have no plans to open a Scientology center. Quite a few rumors about me/us floating around but none of it's true.”
Beck David Hansen
Beck’s father, Canadian composer David Campbell, is reportedly a follower of the Church of Scientologist. Even his former wife, actress Marissa Ribisi is associated with it. But after divorcing Ribisi, the 52-year-old singer reportedly said, “I think there’s a misconception that I am a Scientologist. I’m not a Scientologist. I don’t have any connection or affiliation with it. But I’ve pretty much just focused on my music and my work for most of my life, and tended to do my own thing.”
Lisa Marie Presley
The late singer was also a follower of one of the most controversial religions in the world. But eventually, she left it and reportedly claimed, “I got bad advice. I was insulated with no grip on reality. They were taking my soul, my money, my everything.”
Sonny Bono
The late pop star-turned-politician was another follower of the Church. However, he understood that it was not for him before he died in 1998 as his widow Mary Bono reportedly said, “Sonny did try to break away at one point, and they made it very difficult for him. Extremely difficult. I was resentful of that. I did not like the fact that he said, 'Hey, I'm done with it. I'm not a Scientologist.' … And they were saying, 'Hey, you can't do that.”
Sharon Stone
Stone was also once a Scientologist. But her course of faith changed after her marriage to Phil Bronstein in 1998. The ‘Basic Instinct’ star gained interest in Buddhism and has been following it since then.
Demi Moore
Per reports, Moore was previously heavily invested in the Church of Scientology. However, after tying the knot with her now ex-husband Bruce Willis, she discontinued being a part of it.
Michelle Visage
The 54-year-old used to believe in the Church of Scientology. However, the religion’s homophobic views reportedly forced her to disassociate herself.
