Rebecca Minkoff is clarifying her relationship with convicted rapist Danny Masterson.
During a recent appearance on Two Ts in a Pod, a podcast hosted by Bravo reality stars Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge, the Real Housewives of New York City newcomer, 43, was asked about her connection to the That ’70s Show alum, who is also a Scientologist.
“I haven’t seen or spoken to Danny in over 10 years,” Minkoff said of Masterson. “When I started out, he was incredibly supportive to me. I knew no one.”
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The fashion designer went on to say he introduced her to “girls and actresses that were excited to wear my product” during those early days in her career.
Minkoff concluded, “And that’s all I can say. I didn’t participate in the case. I don’t have details.”
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Masterson was charged in 2020 with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. At the time, he and the women were part of the Scientology church.
The actor pleaded not guilty to all three charges in January 2021.
Masterson was ultimately found guilty of two counts of rape in May 2023, while the third count of rape resulted in a hung jury.
In September 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
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Masterson was denied bail pending an appeal in January due to fears he would run. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said at the time that he will “likely remain in custody for decades, and perhaps the rest of his life” if the “defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal.”
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Minkoff has spoke about being a member of the Church of Scientology throughout her career – and even approached the subject on season 15 of the Bravo reality show. In a 2021 profile in The New York Times, she said of her religion, “I’m totally open. But it’s not my job to proselytize.”
The reality star said people are often confused by her beliefs because she identifies as both Jewish and a Scientologist.
“I think there’s a lot of confusion when people hear the word ‘religion’ — immediately you hear that I pray to L. Ron Hubbard,” she told the outlet. “I study it, I take classes and that’s the extent of it, and it’s helped me stay centered. I don’t have all the answers. When I needed someone, it was a place for me to go get some answers.”
Minkoff added that there is “horrific misinformation” about the religion.
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