Actor Danny Masterson accused of multiple rapes in new lawsuit

Four women are suing former “That 70’s Show” actor Danny Masterson, alleging he sexually assaulted them and then conspired with the Church of Scientology to harass and intimidate them in an attempt to keep them quiet.

The lawsuit was filed by Masterson’s former girlfriends Chrissie Carnell Bixler and Marie Bobette Riales, and two other anonymous victims, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2.

They all allege that Masterson, 43, had sex with them when they were unconscious or too intoxicated to consent, according to The Hollywood Reporter, which obtained a copy of the lawsuit. Bixler also alleges in the suit that Masterson got violent with her when she didn’t want to have sex, and told her it was her job as his girlfriend “to give him sex whenever he wants it.”

Two of the victims said that when they reported Masterson’s behavior to the church, they were ordered not to go to the police, according to THR.

Kevork Djansezian/AP

Bixler said that Scientology officials told her not to call it a “rape” because “you can’t be raped by someone you are in a consensual relationship with.”

Jane Doe 1 said that she was warned that going to police with her claims amounted to a “high crime” in Scientology, meaning she would face punishment if she did so. She said she was later forced to sit in a room with Masterson to “clear the air.”

Read more: Netflix has fired an executive who reportedly claimed not to believe Danny Masterson’s rape accusers

After defying the church and reporting the alleged assaults to the police, the women alleged they were stalked and terrorized.

The women are seeking unspecified damages to be determined in a jury trial.

Masterson denies the claims

Getty Images

Masterson has responded to the lawsuit with a statement to the Los Angeles Times, saying Bixler has been “baiting” him to fight with her in the media for more than two years.

“I will beat her in court — and look forward to it because the public will finally be able learn the truth and see how I’ve been railroaded by this woman,” he said. “And once her lawsuit is thrown out, I intend to sue her and the others who jumped on the bandwagon for the damage they caused me and my family.”

The Church of Scientology calls the lawsuit a publicity grab

Two of the victims are set to speak on Leah Remini’s docu-series on the church in a two-hour special later this month.

An attorney for the Church of Scientology dismissed the latest claims as an attempt to drive viewership to Remini’s show.

“From everything we have read in the press, this baseless lawsuit will go nowhere because the claims are ludicrous and a sham. It’s a dishonest and hallucinatory publicity stunt. Leah Remini is taking advantage of these people as pawns in her moneymaking scam,” William Forman told The Hollywood Reporter.

The LAPD is investigating Masterson

When the allegations first surfaced in 2017, the LAPD announced that it was investigating Masterson, but he’s never been arrested and no charges have been filed.

He did, however, lose his job on Netflix series “The Ranch” and was subsequently dropped by his talent agency.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.