19 January 2024 , 23:18
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Following the rape conviction of disgraced That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson, his wife, Bijou Phillips, reportedly left the Church of Scientology.
Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape and acquitted of a third count of rape by a Los Angeles court. Much of the case involved the Church as he met the women through his involvement. Danny was a long-time member of the Church and members even wrote him letters of support in an effort to ease his sentencing.
However, Masterson was reportedly dispelled from the Church not long after his conviction and declared a "suppressive person," which are people who bring down others. Reportedly, Masterson is facing up to 45 years in prison. Bijou filed for divorce after the ruling, despite being by his side at the trial.
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She stood by his side during his rape trial (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)An insider told the Daily Mail that she has now left the Church of Scientology. The source said: “Bijou left a few weeks after she found out that Danny had been declared an SP [suppressive person] for not living up to the standards of the church."
One of the difficult aspects of leaving the Church is that members are reportedly told not to speak to you or risk being ousted themselves with the label "suppressive person." For many, this means becoming estranged from family and loved ones. However, the source said that Bijou had an easier time stepping away as she has "nothing to lose."
They said: "It’s never an easy decision to leave Scientology because you face being ripped apart from your family and friends who are still members."
The actress is now reportedly leaving Scientology (FilmMagic)Bijou's decision was, reportedly, motivated by the Church's decision to expel him as she wanted to ensure that their daughter, Fianna, was able to stay in touch with him. If Bijou stayed in the Church, she would have been required to "cut ties" with Danny and, despite, their pending divorce, she didn't like the implications that would have for their daughter.
The insider also explained what these recent moves could mean for the Church of Scientology. They added: “Scientology’s biggest threat now is Danny and whether or not he will blow the lid on the church and its secrets, meaning what they told him to do, how to handle the rape allegations. It’s far from over, especially with the civil suits coming up.”