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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A lawsuit by plaintiffs who sued the Church of Scientology and actor Danny Masterson over alleged stalking and coverup allegations will remain on hold while Masterson's criminal case plays out in another courthouse, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steven Kleifield said a stay on the case will remain in place until at least until Dec. 13, when the criminal case trial against Masterson is expected to be over and matters can be reassessed in the civil case.
On Oct. 3, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the church's request for review of a decision by a panel of the Second District Court of Appeal in favor of plaintiffs Chrissie Carnell Bixler; her husband, Cedrick Bixler-Zavala; Marie Bobette Riales and two "Jane Does." All allege in their suit filed in August 2019 that they were stalked by Masterson, a Scientology member, after they reported to police that the "That '70s Show" actor had raped the women and that the church covered up his actions.
In their Jan. 19 opinion, the state appellate court justices found that the plaintiffs, who are suing for stalking, invasion of privacy and emotional distress, have a First Amendment right to leave a religious organization and are not bound by the church's arbitration rules since their allegations occurred after they left the faith.
The plaintiffs sought relief from the appellate court after Kleifield ruled in December 2020 that they were required to arbitrate their claims internally with the church. The judge also put the case on hold pending the resolution of proceedings concerning his arbitration decision, and Tuesday's ruling only changed the reason for the stay. The judge also formally vacated his 2020 arbitration order, as he had been directed to do by the state appellate court.
Until Tuesday, the plaintiffs and Masterson agreed discovery should be delayed pending the outcome of the criminal case against the 46-year-old actor. However, on Tuesday, the plaintiffs' attorneys argued they should at least be allowed to move forward with discovery against the church.
Masterson's lawyer, Andrew Brettler, argued that any discovery concerning his client should be put on hold until all potential appeals are decided after the criminal case trial. Lawyers for the church agreed that any discovery should wait at least until after Masterson's criminal trial is over.
The judge agreed.
"We've waited this long, I think it's prudent to wait a little bit longer," Kleifield said.