Reinhold Mueller: Last News

That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson‘s rape trial began today (October 18) with opening statements.

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.”

With a jury finally selected and seated, Danny Masterson’s trial on multiple rape charges began today with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office putting the Church of Scientology front and center. 

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.”

After four days of often gut wrenching testimony by alleged victims during a preliminary hearing, a California state judge today has determined there is enough evidence for Danny Masterson to stand trial on multiple rape charges.

Danny Masterson's rape case has taken a turn, with an attorney for the actor alleging that members of law enforcement leaked information pertaining to the case. According to reports, a hearing for Masterson's criminal case was held on Wednesday, where his attorney, Tom Mesereau, alleged to the judge, "This is a high profile case and we think that information has been leaked to the press." The Daily Mail reports that Mesereau suggested the leaks may have come from cops or the Los Angeles District Attorney's office.

DANNY Masterson will be arraigned for his charges of rape and faces 45 years to life in prison if he is convicted.  A Los Angeles Superior Court Judge ruled on Monday that the That ’70’s Show star’s trial will continue despite the actor’s attorney attempting to get the case tossed.  The judge dismissed the claim from his defense attorney's that the trial should not go on under the statue of limitations.  Prosecutor Reinhold Mueller said the alleged crimes all occurred at the television star’s Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003.  Danny, 44, was reportedly not present at the LA hearing today as he was represented by his attorney Tom Mesereau.

Dominic Patten Senior Editor, Legal & TV CriticDanny Masterson will face charges of rape, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge ruled this morning.In a masked and socially distanced hearing in DTLA, Judge Eleanor Hunter rejected the defense stance that the case against the former That 70s Show star should be tossed out under the statute of limitations. Represented by his lawyers Thomas Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum, Masterson was not present at the hearing on Monday.Accused back in June of three counts of forcible rape, Masterson is out on a $3.3 million bail.

Actor Danny Masterson has been charged with three counts of rape, involving three different women. The alleged incidents took place between 2001 and 2003.

Actor Danny Masterson has been charged with three counts of rape, involving three different women. The alleged incidents took place between 2001 and 2003.

Actor Danny Masterson has been charged with three counts of rape, involving three different women. The alleged incidents took place between 2001 and 2003.