In March, several outlets reported that the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating That ’70s Show actor and longtime Scientologist Danny Masterson for rape. The three women who had made rape claims against Masterson were all reportedly fellow Scientologists who said they’d been pressured by the Church not to report the incidents, which all allegedly occurred in the early 2000s.
On Thursday, the Huffington Post reported that a total of four woman have now accused Masterson of rape (he continues to deny all accusations). But even as the case against Masterson apparently builds, its legal progression is reportedly moving at a snail’s pace:
In April 2017, police referred the case to the district attorney. Since then, the district attorney’s office has examined the evidence turned over by LAPD and conducted its own investigation. Despite compelling ― what one law enforcement source described as “overwhelming” — evidence, the charges have not been approved for filing. The evidence includes audiotapes, emails sent to and from Scientology officers at the time the alleged rapes happened, forensic computer evidence and a threatening handwritten letter Masterson sent to one of the alleged victims, according to two people with knowledge of the evidence in the district attorney’s possession.
[Huffpo]
Imagine being so sure to offend women that at parties you now just freeze in place.
Welcome to the life of Leonardo DiCaprio in the post-Weinstein era—at least if this New York Daily News report is anything to go on.
According to NYDN sources who spotted DiCaprio at a lower Manhattan Halloween party this week, the star showed up dressed in a human shield of “five friends” and a baseball cap. Then, he barely moved or talked to anyone (one source attests that Leo “had a drink and ate something without hardly moving”).
Sure, everyone has an off night, but for DiCaprio that usually means fewer female models trailing him, not traveling in a human cockblockmobile. NYDN’s source seems to think DiCaprio’s sheepish behavior (the room was full of women who, according to the report, were just his type) has to do with the heightened attention being paid by the media to sexism and sexual misconduct, a shift that began with allegations from within the entertainment industry. “[DiCaprio] has always been guarded, but it seems different now,” the source said. “These guys need to be careful.”
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reported on the nondisclosure agreement that Leo’s people make those who work with him sign. The agreement includes forfeiting one’s right to sue DiCaprio for harassment and infliction of emotional distress.
[NYDN]
- Nicki Minaj’s mom gave testimony at her son’s rape trial today. [Page Six]
- Oooh CBS announced Jordan Peele is developing a Twilight Zone reboot for the network. [THR]
- And in other CBS news, Late Show has nixed its interview with Jeremy Piven that had been set to air this Friday. [Deadline]
- Rihanna went on a good date and topped it off with extra pasta. [Us Weekly]
- A mystery: some unidentified recurring Westworld actor suffered an injury, delaying one of the show’s two production units. [Deadline]
- Today I don’t have the time nor the will to unpack Alec Baldwin’s analysis of his own sexism through the ages, but I’m here to tell you that such an artifact now exists. [THR]
- Perhaps he was distracted by the paparazzi swarm? [NYDN]
DISCUSSION
This Danny Masterson story has been around the interwebz for a while. I am very happy it’s finally getting the attention it deserves, interesting how he chose other Scientologists.... also FUCK YOU DANNY MASTERSON