28 Comments

As to Danny Masterson's composure: I would posit that he has been put through a "Hard TR's" course with specific focus on anything said about him or his behavior by anyone. To be able to sit without reaction through anything.

Plus, I think he is a socio/psycho-path. I don't think he is actually connected to reality.

Expand full comment

Going by JD1's testimony (I believe her), definitely a psychopath plus maybe has Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Expand full comment

I love this conversation about inside the courtroom from two people who have deep knowledge on the subject.

Expand full comment

I got comfort that the trial is going well for the prosecution.

Expand full comment

It’s excellent coverage!

Expand full comment

this is excellent. augustin is always so interesting and has unique perspectives. thanks for all your work.

Expand full comment

Excellent points by both of you! I love the way this Judge moves things along. I've been in court (when still "in", & once after I escaped out) with scientology at least 5 times. I've never seen a Judge quite as efficient as this one...and that's not good for Scientology.

One of their specialties is manipulation of the court, and as we've seen already, that's an

Epic Fail for them. 👍🌹

Expand full comment

The "peeing in the street" issue Cohen attempted to raise is more than "garbage." California Rape Shield Law expressly prohibits impugning an accuser's character in this way. Cal Code Ev. Section 1103 (a) (1). Doing this is considered further abuse of the victim. When I was in law school, I was mentored by the Chief Trial Prosecutor for the local SEC office. I will never forget his advice: One, that a jury can only keep three things in mind at one time. Second, that the jury is observing your personal presentation throughout the trial. My mentor said, "I want the jury to think, 'I really like that short fat guy!'" Cohen should keep these words of wisdom in mind.

Expand full comment

That was great. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

I enjoy hearing more details about what's going on in the court room. Thanks!

Expand full comment

Love your video wrap ups, Tony! My guess is they are very helpful for other journalists (& people never in...not educated like the Bunkerites) 👍🌹

Expand full comment

One suggestion I have is for Tony to give other reporters pictures from Scientology that shows the statements not to go to law enforcement and also the statement that Scientologists will do anything and lie under oath to protect the church. I was surprised Mueller didn’t ask her this or what was her understanding.

Expand full comment

I was wondering this too, is the Intro to Scientology Ethics book going to be introduced as an exhibit at some point? (At least the high crimes list?)

Expand full comment

The new basic book on Scientology Ethics has wiped out the high crimes list. They use

instead "Suppressive Acts"

Exp: "Any felony (such as murder, arson, etc) against person or property". Rape would be a felony, hence she was told "Don't use the 'R' word"

"Sexual or sexually perverted conduct contrary to the well-being or good state of mind of a Scientologist in good standing..." There are 6 pages of Suppressive Acts!

Expand full comment
founding

The full HCOPL with all of the High Crimes is not even in full in the 1991 edition of the OEC volumes, I was shocked, I've "High Crime Checked Out" the full list HCOPL and when the OEC came out, and when all of the various Ethics Books came out, as they did over the years, I likewise scrutinized to see what was omitted in the Ethics Book.

I think they will limit Scientology's stuff, since they don't need it.

If the Jane Does say the material influenced them, that's enough.

Expand full comment

The defense would be extremely well advised to just leave that alone. I’m sure that no end of experts, starting with Claire Headley, will be able to testify effectively that a lot of sources (such as the HCOPL you cite, Chuck) come in as references in “handlings” inside the criminal organisation known as the “church” of $cientology.

Expand full comment

Superb roundup of the week, thank you both.

Expand full comment

You are doing a great service here - thank you for the detailed observations and reporting and for pointing out things other reporters may have missed due to the nature of Scientology!

Expand full comment

I actually don't think D-bag's family think the accusers are lying. I believe they KNOW he did it, but so what? This isn't the way to fix this. To them, it's been fixed and the trial is much ado about nothing.

Expand full comment

Sorry SMoore, but I disagree. Having been "in" Scientology for 30 years, and gotten to the top...if the "KNOW" (as you said) they only have 2 recourses:

1) Admit it and turn themselves in to Scientology (which would get them declared SP) or

2) leave Scientology (where most likely they would get declared SP.)

I believe, having been a "true believer" as I think they are....their heads are 10 feet under in delusion, sure Danny will "win".

Don't forget, Scientologists believe by intention alone, they can fix this. (I was at the event where David Miscavige announced "The Berlin Wall went down

Right after we released OT 8!" (Their top level)

So the Masterson 's are there to silently use their "O.T." abilities to make sure all goes right for them, Scientology and of course Danny.

Expand full comment

Of course, I will defer to you, Tory, on this issue!!!

Expand full comment

Hey...your opinion is just as important as mine! Do any of us know why Danny Masterson 's whole clan is there? All we can do is guess, and if we have past experiences...share those.

Never forget Al Capone. Tons of evidence was introduced about his horrific abused...but one man, his accountant, got him nailed on tax evasion.

Every voice counts! 🌹

Expand full comment

With all due respect, Tory, my opinion is based on things I've read. Yours is experiential. As a result, yours carries more weight in my view. As for why Danny's clan is there, I believe it's intended as a show of force and solidarity--hoping the jury will notice any possible celebrity factor. But I appreciate you welcoming my opinions!

Expand full comment

❤️ Loving that the judge sent the jury out and tore Cohen a new one about the peeing in the street question. 👍

Expand full comment

Do you think the defense attorney is purposefully giving what seems like inadequate defense for the purpose of being able to appeal? I keep going, “what?!” Another thing that struck me was Danny’s entourage remaining standing. Don’t know if anyone else thought this, but I felt it was an intimidating act toward the victims and their utter contempt for the’wog’ court. Just my thoughts

Expand full comment

Thanks guys, it's great to be able to stay up to speed even with no court-room video. I'm glad the ADA is sharp, and the judge is sharp, and fair. 👍

Expand full comment
founding
Oct 22, 2022·edited Oct 22, 2022

Excellent info from start to finish in this podcast.

Expand full comment