The Danny Masterson rape trial has entered its second week and the proceedings seem to get even more tense. When the trial began last week, things got off to a rough start when the judge challenged the opening statements. Now, earlier this week, the case was rocked by startling testimony. Not only that, but the Masterson defense team (again) has requested an annulment of the trial. This time following the individual’s statements.
Today the judge and jury heard from Shaun Fabos, who was friends with Jane Doe 1 (or Jen B) and worked for her parents at the time Danny Masterson allegedly sexually assaulted her. For Variety Although he was asked to speak on behalf of the prosecution, his testimony apparently helped the defense. Fabos mentioned taking a trip to Florida with Jen B and her family, something he previously mentioned to a defense investigator but never to the prosecution. The complainant claimed that after Masterson allegedly sexually assaulted her in 2003, she had bruises on her hip and wrist. However, Fabos, who reportedly learned of the alleged incident shortly after it happened, says none of these marks were present on her body when the band left.
Shaun Fabos was reportedly “evasive at times” on the stand, with Judge Charlaine Olmedo comparing him to a “gang witness”. This term refers to someone whose testimony could change depending on who is present. Eventually, Olmedo called him a “hostile witness”, which allowed the prosecution to ask him important questions. Philippe Cohen, the That show from the 70s Alum’s chief defense attorney eventually asked for a mistrial. According to Term Cohen’s claim, which was ultimately rejected, was based on the witness’s perceived level of credibility:
I don’t throw it away easily. In a criminal trial, the credibility of the defense is paramount.
During his testimony, the witness also specifically mentioned that he was raised in the Church of Scientology but had only really adapted to the religion “in the past two years”. The church has so far been a major issue in the case and has been a major reason why the judge was not satisfied with the opening statements . At first he said that “the trial will not be flooded with Scientology”.
Danny Masterson was first investigated by the police in 2017, before being formally accused of rape in 2020. Four women are suing him and the Church of Scientology in 2019, saying they were harassed after the allegations against the star went public. (The church has tried a number of tactics to prevent the case from going to court). In 2021, Jen B testified against Masterson and claimed he sexually assaulted her at his home in 2003. Masterson pleaded not guilty.
The case is expected to continue every day this week except Wednesday. The trial will include the testimony of many others, including Lisa Marie Presley before it officially ends on November 19th.
Source: Cinemablend
