Judge Kalra keeps Danny Masterson suit on ice as Scientology appeals his ruling

As we expected based on the tentative ruling we told you about this morning, Judge Upinder Kalra at today’s hearing made it official and denied the motion for reconsideration from Danny Masterson’s victims.

We received a report from court from the formidable Meghann Cuniff…

Samantha Parrish of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP appeared in person for the plaintiffs while Alison Anderson appeared by phone. Robert Mangels and Matthew appeared in person for Religious Technology Center and Bill Forman appeared virtually for the Church of Scientology. Andrew Brettler appeared virtually for Danny Masterson.

The only attorney who argued was Parrish, who told Judge Upinder S. Kalra he has the inherent power to grant the motion, and the stay “should only encompass those causes of action that are actually on appeal.”

Kalra said he’s aware of his inherent authorities but “ordinarily” declines to exercise them unless there’s good reason. In this case, “I am one who'd rather move forward.”

“I do not want to wait. I do not like to wait“ Kalra said. “But I'm also very practical.”

He said the issues in the lawsuit “are so intertwined” that separating them isn’t practical. He also said the plaintiffs’ new complaint complicates the case.

“The issues are just too intertwined, particularly in light of the proposed amended complaint,” Kalra said. “That makes this even more complex.”

He again emphasized that “I don't like the delays” but “ I'm here to follow the law.”

”So my personal preference to move forward is trumped by the law,” Kalra said.

The next status conference is scheduled in May.

Thank you for that report, Meghann.

So, because Scientology is appealing Judge Kalra’s ruling that struck down the church’s attempt to gut the lawsuit with anti-SLAPP motions, the entire case is on hold.

And that is preventing the plaintiffs, the Danny Masterson victims, from getting a ruling from the court about allowing in their powerful new proposed complaint, which will add another victim, add sexual battery counts against Masterson, and add civil racketeering counts against Scientology, making this substantially more than a harassment lawsuit.

But because of Scientology’s appeal, and Judge Kalra’s reluctance to separate out the different parts of the case, we’ll all just have to wait while things slowly go through the appeals process.

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