Danny Masterson Rape Trial Begins, Scientology Heavily Referenced in Opening Statements So Far

That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson‘s rape trial began today (October 18) with opening statements.

Masterson is a Scientologist and has multiple rape charges against him. Each of his alleged victims was also a Scientologist at the time of the alleged rapes, which spanned between 2001 and 2003. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office began their opening statements by putting the Church of Scientology front and center.

Reinhold Mueller, the lead prosecutor, began his statements by referencing Scientology terminology and practices, and explained by two of his accusers delayed coming forward.

“They can declare you a suppressive person,” Mueller said of the delay in reporting. “You are essentially an enemy of the church. Your friends, your parents — if you have children who are part of the church — they all have to detach from you. Essentially you lose everything.”

He also said that two of the alleged victims were told by their “ethics officer” that they should not refer to what allegedly happened to them as a “rape.” One was also advised that the church said it was impossible to rape a “2B,” which is a church term for a spouse, girlfriend or significant other.

The subject of “pulling in,” was also referenced. “‘Pulling in’ means you have done something, either in this life or another life, to cause this to happen to you,” Mueller said.

“This case will also be about certain policies that each of these alleged victims understood they needed to follow,” Mueller added. “They acted in certain ways, they engaged in certain behavior and made certain choices …based on certain policies.”

Details about the alleged encounters were also revealed by the prosecutor including one woman who claims he “He spat on her face, he called her white trash, as he frequently did,” having “anal sex while…unconscious,” and more.

Deadline is reporting that Masterson’s attorney’s opening statements began shortly before lunch and are expected to resume.