A Shaky Pillar: Danny Masterson's Conviction Could Threaten the Scientology Edifice
Danny Masterson's striking conviction on rape charges, a former luminary of the Scientology Church, has struck fear into the heart of the organization. Church leaders and prominent members are on edge, concerned that the disgraced actor might expose the organization's concealed mysteries as a safeguard against imprisonment, according to insiders.
"Danny is a public figure. He's not made for the penitentiary," reveals a source. "There's anxiety that he might resort to any means to evade incarceration."
The guilt verdict against the former 'That '70s Show' actor was a devastating blow to his wife of 12 years, actress Bijou Phillips, whose distress was palpable in the courtroom. Masterson, 47, was found guilty on two out of the three counts of rape leveled against him by three women, all of whom were once active Scientologists and met Masterson within the church's sphere.
Masterson, sentenced to a potential 30 years and now confined without bail in Los Angeles' infamous county jail, is getting a harsh taste of his new reality, a sharp turnaround from his previous nonchalance following his mistrial on the same charges last November.
"Danny will soon discover the harsh realities of prison life," a source remarks.
Reports suggest that the former 'The Ranch' star has hinted to friends that the church should have offered him more support.
"Danny feels deserted," an informant discloses. "He's prepared to do and say whatever it takes to avoid sharing quarters with hardened criminals."
Despite Scientology's consistent denial of any connection with the case, the organization's influence was palpable throughout the trial. Two of the victims stated they were pressured by church officials to resolve their complaints through arbitration rather than seeking legal intervention, delaying their revelations by over a decade.
Even more alarmingly, Judge Charlaine Olmedo of Los Angeles Superior Court ordered an investigation into allegations that Scientology had accessed confidential investigative reports, photographs, and communication between the police and Masterson's accusers.
Former Scientologist Steven Mango observes that, if proven, these actions could potentially invite an IRS investigation into the organization's tax-exempt status. It may be revoked if the church is determined to be less a religious institution and more a front for criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Masterson's conviction has intensified scrutiny on his association with Scientology, with speculation rife about what he might reveal.
"Rumors abound that Danny is privy to a wealth of hidden information about the church's operations and prominent members, which he could leverage for his protection," an insider discloses.
Describing the current state of affairs in Scientology, the source admits, "It would be a colossal understatement to say that there's a sense of dread pervading the church at this moment."