Danny Masterson accusers claim Scientology should face RICO charges

The plaintiffs in the civil harassment case against the Church of Scientology and actor Danny Masterson are seeking to label the organization a "criminal enterprise" under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO).

The proposed second amended complaint includes three additional rape claims against Masterson.

Leah Remini and other former Scientologists skewering the Sci-fi "cult" as "criminal" in court filings. And the "church" repeatedly stumbles in its response. https://t.co/n7wOGnzdpD

— Rick Alan Ross (@RickAlanRoss) January 3, 2024

The accusers are urging the Los Angeles courts to allow RICO charges, stating that the group engages in a "pattern of racketeering activity."

The filing alleges that the Church routinely practices fraud, human trafficking, identity theft, and money laundering.

The lawsuit asserts that David Miscavige, the leader of the church, benefits significantly from these criminal activities.

The civil suit, initiated almost five years ago, accuses the church of subjecting the plaintiffs to surveillance, harassment, and harm to pets after reporting rape claims against Masterson to the LAPD.

The recently proposed amendment emphasizes sexual assault claims against Masterson and Scientology's role in covering up these allegations. With the expiration of California's statute of limitations under the Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, the filing underscores Masterson's alleged sexual assaults and the church's active involvement in concealing such information.

The proposed Second Amended Complaint includes a 1996 rape allegation by actress Tricia Vesey, who testified at Masterson's criminal trials, and previously undisclosed covered-up rapes of a 15-year-old Scientologist in 1994 and another church member in 1996.

The filing asserts that the church closely monitors and protects celebrity members, collaborating with Masterson to prevent victims from reporting abuse and initiating aggressive harassment campaigns against them.

The plaintiffs contend that the church is primarily interested in maintaining financial stability, especially concerning celebrity members like Tom Cruise, Elisabeth Moss, and John Travolta.

The proposed amendment sheds light on the church's alleged tactics when confronted by legal challenges and underscores the significance of famous members. The filing comes on the same day that Masterson, convicted on multiple rape charges, was transferred to North Kern State Prison to serve his sentence.