Alleged rape victim testifies against Danny Masterson: ‘I was smothered’
A woman testified Wednesday that actor Danny Masterson raped her and held her at gunpoint during a terrifying 2003 encounter.
It was the first day of cross-examinations in Masterson’s trial in Los Angeles on three rape allegations, which the “That ‘70s Show” star denies.
The dramatic testimony was briefly paused after the alleged victim broke down in tears and said, “I can’t do this.” But the woman eventually regained her composure and described a vicious assault.
“I was smothered,” she said. “I could not breathe.”
Danny Masterson appears at his arraignment on Sept. 18, 2020. (LUCY NICHOLSON/)
The woman continued in graphic detail, saying that when she attempted to push Masterson off her, he responded by choking her.
The alleged victim said that at one point, voices could be heard outside Masterson’s door. She said that the actor reacted by grabbing a gun and demanding her silence. Prosecutors asked what she thought in that moment.
“That he was going to kill me,” the woman said. “That I was going to die.”
Three women say Masterson raped them between 2001 and 2003, while he was still a mainstream star on “That ‘70s Show.” He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Church of Scientology was in the spotlight on Tuesday, the trial’s first day. All three alleged victims were Scientologists between 2001 and 2003, but have since left the church. Masterson remains a member.
The woman who testified Wednesday said that fellow Scientologists, along with church norms, discouraged her from reporting an attack to police earlier. She said she spoke with leaders who implied the assault was her fault.
“You can never be a victim,” the woman testified. “No matter what happens, you’re always responsible.”
When prosecutors asked if she still feared retribution from anyone, the woman replied, “about half this courtroom.”
She went to Los Angeles police in 2004 despite the consequences, but the cops did not file charges at the time. The woman said that she left out details at the time “to protect people.”
Defense attorneys began cross-examination Wednesday and signaled that they’ll focus on those discrepancies.
With News Wire Services
