Actor and Scientologist Danny Masterson, best known for his role on the hit TV series That 70s Show, was recently sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2003. Personally, I am so proud of the two victims for coming forward and holding this rapist accountable for his horrific actions. Thanks to these brave individuals, he will never be able to do what he did again. The Church of Scientology can no longer enable and protect this behavior.
So, does this sentencing tarnish Scientology? I wish I could sit here and tell you that it does, but I know it won’t.
So, for those who don’t know, what is Scientology?
Scientology is a religion created by author L. Ron Hubbard. Why do I not believe the sentencing will tarnish this so-called religion? Because they are far too powerful. They have support from celebrity Scientologists like Tom Crusie and others who promote this religion regardless of how much damage it has done. There are so many victims of Scientology who don’t come forward because they’re afraid for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. In fact, many people who have left the Church of Scientology have decided not to speak out for fear that the members of this religion will prosecute them.
Let’s talk about abuse within the Church of Scientology. Why don’t we hear much about it? Because Scientology sweeps everything under the rug and deals with it in-house. They have everything they need to do that, and they seem to think they are untouchable. And, to some extent, they have been for decades.
That was until actress and outspoken ex-Scientologist Leah Remini released her show “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath.”
This show features stories from former members of the Church of Scientology whose lives changed as a result of the Church’s harmful practices. Without people like her and shows like this, the world would never know what is really going on behind the walls that Scientology is hiding behind.
The victims and former members are left with lifelong trauma from being involved with Scientology. Do I think this has shaken the church? Yes and no — let me explain. It will definitely scare the Church of Scientology to know that more people are willing to come forward, just like the two women in the Masterson’s trial. Even though they were scared to speak out, they did it anyway.
On the other hand, I believe they will feel more empowered to hide things and force people not to come forward in the long run, which will do even more damage.
Will we ever be able to stop Scientology and its abuse? I think it is starting to be chipped away brick by brick. But it will take more voices speaking out against it for it to end for good. If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). And remember that your voice matters. And it can be the thing that gives courage to others to speak up.
Featured image via Alexey Taktarov on Unsplash
