Danny Masterson Branded A 'Suppressive Person' After Being EXPELLED From The Church Of Scientology

Embattled actor Danny Masterson's problems keep piling up as it has been revealed that he has been kicked out of the Church of Scientology and labeled a "suppressive person" by the organization.

He is facing a 30-year sentence in prison for two counts of rape. His wife, Bijou Phillips, has also filed for divorce, with Masterson recently giving up custody of their daughter.

Masterson's new status as a "suppressive person" would require other church members, including Phillips, to distance themselves from him.

According to a report, the church of Scientology has expelled "That 70s Show" star Danny Masterson, labeling him a "suppressive person."

The church defines a "suppressive person" or "SP" as someone whose conduct impedes the spiritual growth of those around them.

This new tag on Masterson means other church members, including his wife, Bijou Phillips, are to cut ties with him. Per the Daily Mail, despite his expulsion, the Church of Scientology still believes that the convicted rapist is innocent of all charges.

Private investigator Jeffrey Augustine made the revelation about Masterson's new status on his website, The Scientology Money Project, which has been on a mission to expose the church's wrongdoings since 2014.

In a chat with the Daily Mail, Augustine, who was a former Scientologist, gave a detailed explanation behind the shocking reason why the organization decided to expel Masterson after showing support for him through his court trials.

The 66-year-old claimed that the church did not plan to go public about Masterson's "suppressive person" status and still tells members that the actor is innocent.

Augustine said, "According to my sources, Danny has been declared a suppressive person, which means he would be expelled from Scientology. They are telling Scientologists that he will file an appeal and that he is innocent of the charges for which he was convicted."

"They (church officials) declared Danny a suppressive person for not maintaining the high ethical standards for the Church of Scientology, and other reasons – but not because he was convicted of rape," he added.

According to the news outlet, Augustine opened up about the new development at a demonstration held in front of the Church of Scientology Celebrity Center in Hollywood on Saturday, where several ex-Scientologists and alleged sexual abuse victims condemned the "cult's" injustices.

One of Masterson's alleged victims, Chrissie Carnell Bixler, whose case against the actor was met with a deadlocked jury, attended the Saturday protest in the company of another of his accusers.

While speaking on Masterson's status as a "suppressive person," Bixler told the Daily Mail, "They should have declared him an SP when I originally went to them."  

Augustine revealed that the disgraced actor's criminal trials and accusations against him caused many Scientologists to question why he was still allowed to be a part of the church. 

"A lot of Scientologists were complaining that they have friends and family members that they can't talk to because they were declared suppressive. They questioned why Danny Masterson was allowed to be a Scientologist in good standing when he's brought such a horrible public relations situation onto the church with his felony rape convictions," Augustine said.

He added, "So the members are asking why were their friends and family declared for reading the internet, watching Leah Remini's show, and doing other things that are far below what Masterson was charged with?"

Augustine noted that Masterson's expulsion was not a surprise, as the controversial leader of the church, David Miscavige, had to find a way to prevent further probing into the actor and his relationship with the organization.

"I think Miscavige is clearing the decks ahead of the IAS [International Association of Scientologists] in London so he's not asked about Masterson. In other words, he wants it handled. He doesn't want Danny Masterson to be the focus," the private investigator said.

Augustine added, "They are not going to make a public announcement. They are going to tell everyone at this big, posh London event don't talk about it, don't mention Danny. He has now become a person whose name must not be mentioned."

According to the former Scientologist, the church officials "are still maintaining his innocence, saying he will appeal and that's not why he's been declared, but this is not to be talked about by anyone."

As reported by The Blast, Masteron recently gave up custody of his 9-year-old daughter with Phillips following her shocking divorce filing. However, he requested visitation rights, but that will be up to the California State Prison to decide.