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The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala has spoken out after actor and former Scientologist Danny Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape.
Masterson, best known for his role as Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show, was found guilty of two out of three accusations of rape made against him in a Los Angeles retrial yesterday (May 31).
The musician and At The Drive-In icon, who left the Church of Scientology in 2017, has now commented on the disgraced actor and the organization. His wife, Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, had also testified against Masterson in 2022 and filed a separate civil lawsuit against him.
In the civil case, Carnell-Bixler’s relationship with Masterson was reported to have lasted for several years, with him allegedly sexually assaulting her multiple times between 2001 and 2002.
Masterson responded to the accusations with a statement saying he would “beat [Carnell-Bixler] in court” and that “the public will finally be able [to] learn the truth and see how I’ve been railroaded by this woman.”
However, the judge ultimately ruled that the case must go through ‘religious arbitration’ within the Church of Scientology, as Carnell-Bixler had signed an agreement with the Church that requires disputes to be handled by it, not the courts.
Following the guilty verdict, Bixler-Zavala posted an Instagram post (now deleted), claiming to be “making a list of all Danny’s helpers and rape apologists” to “show all of you why women don’t report rape”. He also expressed his disdain for the Church Of Scientology, writing: “We fucking told you. God bless the women that stood up to him and his shitty fucking family. Fuck Scientology. Rot in jail Danny.”
The actor was accused of three charges of rape, all taking place at his home between the period of 2001 and 2003 – all of which he pleaded not guilty to.
The prosecution lawyer, Ariel Anson, stated in the closing arguments that Masterson “drugged [women’s] drinks to gain control” and relied on his influence in the Church of Scientology to avoid facing any consequences. The Church has denied having any policy discouraging members from going to law enforcement.
The Bixlers also allege the Church launched a campaign of harassment and threats against them, including poisoning their dogs and stalking them. Cedric Bixler-Zavala described how his family still live in fear of the Church, saying “my kids know a monster did something bad to their mom.”
Masterson could face up to 30 years in prison, however, no sentencing date has been set. His lawyers are due to return to court on August 4 for a hearing.
At The Drive-In frontman Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s response to the guilty verdict against Danny Masterson has highlighted an issue that affects many women around the world. The Mars Volta frontman has spoken out in support of the survivors, and his wife Chrissie Carnell-Bixler, who bravely testified against Masterson. It’s a reminder that the Church of Scientology must be held to account for their policies and practices that attempt to silence victims of sexual assault.
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