Danny Masterson asks for trial delay because of Rick Caruso's anti-Scientology ads

[Attorney Philip Cohen and his client, Danny Masterson]

Danny Masterson's legal team this morning proposed that his criminal trial be delayed because of anti-Scientology political ads being aired by Los Angeles mayoral candidate and billionaire Rick Caruso.

Also, Masterson's attorney Philip Cohen proposed that the word "Scientology" be kept out of the trial, and that any references to the organization be made with such words as "the church" or "the club" or something else, again citing the Caruso ads.

About a week ago, Caruso began airing the ads that featured footage of his opponent US Representative Karen Bass giving a fawning speech at a Scientology "Ideal Org" grand opening in Los Angeles in 2010. The footage was also publicized two years ago when Bass was reportedly being considered to be Joe Biden's running mate. Bass has made it clear that although she gave the speech in 2010, she says that today she is opposed to Scientology's methods: "[I] absolutely condemn their practices," she told ABC-7.

Bass said Caruso was trailing in polls and the ads were an act of desperation from him. We've heard from readers that the ads are on heavy rotation there, and now Masterson's attorneys are trying to use them to get a delay.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo has not ruled on the request for a delay and may not until the end of the day or even after tomorrow’s continuation of the hearing.

Masterson himself showed up at the hearing in his criminal rape case this morning, even though he was not required to attend.

He was joined by a new member of his legal team, Karen L. Goldstein.

At today's hearing we also learned that the expert on Scientology the prosecution plans to call to testify is former Sea Org official Claire Headley, who is very familiar to our readers.

She was also our guest on the second episode of our podcast, and she explained why her personal interaction with Tom Cruise is the reason she won't watch his new movie Top Gun: Maverick.

The two sides are also wrestling over witnesses that may bring in other allegations of Masterson sexually abusing them. More hearing to come after the break.

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