Claire Headley: Last News

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer Scientology was front and center on Tuesday as the rape trial against “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson began with opening statements. Masterson is a Scientologist and each of his alleged victims was a Scientologist at the time of the alleged rapes, which span from 2001 to 2003. Reinhold Mueller, the lead prosecutor, made several references in his opening statement to church terminology and practices in explaining why two of the accusers delayed reporting to the police. “They can declare you a suppressive person,” Mueller said. “You are essentially an enemy of the church. Your friends, your parents — if you have children who are part of the church — they all have to detach from you. Essentially you lose everything.”

Gene Maddaus Senior Media Writer Danny Masterson’s lawyer warned on Monday that TV ads in the race for Los Angeles mayor could inflame hostility toward the Church of Scientology, making it harder for Masterson to receive a fair trial. Masterson, the former “That ’70s Show” star, is scheduled to go on trial next week on three charges of forcible rape. Masterson is a member of the Church of Scientology, and the church and its processes are likely to figure in the trial. The church has also become an issue in the mayor’s race. Last week, Rick Caruso began running an ad attacking Karen Bass for praising Scientology during a speech in 2010. The ad includes a quote referring to the church as a “ruthless global scam.” Bass responded by saying that she “absolutely condemn(s) their practices.”

Leah Remini is warning fans not to letTom Cruise's 'movie star charm fool you' as his latest filmTop Gun: Maverick becomes hisbiggest domestic hit.With the star's action flick is expected to gross more than $792 million in the box office globallyin the next few days, the 51-year-old actress and former Scientologist praised her friend,Claire Headley, on Twitter for calling out his alleged'crimes against humanity.''Thank you to my friend @claireheadley for your courage,' the King of Queens star tweeted on Saturday. 'You have continued to speak out despite the non-stop attacks from Scientology.' Speaking out: Leah Remini is warning fans not to let Tom Cruise's 'movie star charm fool you' as his latest film Top Gun: Maverick becomes his biggest domestic hit; seen in 2019She continued: 'Tom Cruise knows exactly what goes on in Scientology.