Rebecca Minkoff comes clean about her relationship with convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
During a recent appearance on Two T’s in a capsulepodcast hosted by Bravo reality stars Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge, The Real Housewives of New York City the newcomer, 43, was asked about her connection with That 70s show alum, who is also a Scientologist.
“I haven’t seen or talked to Danny in over 10 years,” Minkoff said of Masterson. “When I started, he was incredibly supportive. I didn’t know anyone.”
Rebecca Minkoff and Danny Masterson during the Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2004 Presentation After Party at the Gottfried Helnwein Gallery & Spider Club in Los Angeles, California.
Mike Guastella/WireImage
The fashion designer went on to say that he introduced her to “girls and actresses who were excited to wear my product” during those early days of her career.
Minkoff concluded, “And that’s all I can say. I wasn’t involved in the case. I don’t have the details.”
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(L-R) Musician Albert Hammond Jr., designer Rebecca Minkoff and actor Danny Masterson at the Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011 MBFW fashion show on September 12, 2010 in New York City.
Astrid Stawiarz/Getty
In 2020, Masterson was accused of forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. At the time, he and the women were part of the Church of Scientology.
In January 2021, the actor pleaded not guilty to all three counts of the indictment.
Danny Masterson transferred to state prison, Mugshot released after rape conviction
Masterson was ultimately found guilty of two counts of rape in May 2023, while a third count of rape resulted in a jury dismissal.
In September 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
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Danny Masterson stands with his attorneys Thomas Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum as he is charged with rape at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on September 18, 2020 in Los Angeles. Lucy Nicholson/Getty
Masterson was refused bail pending an appeal in January amid fears he will run for office. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said at the time that he “will likely remain in custody for decades and possibly the rest of his life” if “the defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal.”
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Minkoff has spoken about being a member of the Church of Scientology throughout her career – and even broached the subject on season 15 of the Bravo reality show. In the profile from 2021 u The New York Timesshe said about her religion: “I’m completely open. But my job is not to proselytize.”
The reality star said people are often confused by her beliefs because she identifies as both Jewish and Scientologist.
“I think there’s a lot of confusion when people hear the word ‘religion’ — you immediately hear I’m praying to L. Ron Hubbard,” she told the newspaper. “I’m studying it, I’m taking classes and that’s the extent of it, and it’s helped me stay focused. When I needed someone, it was a place I could go to for some answers.
Minkoff added that there is “terrible misinformation” about the faith.
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Source: HIS Education