Popular actress and former Scientologist, Leah Remini, stepped forward to defend her former colleague, 69-year-old actor Paul Haggis, who was accused of rape.
In his civil rape trial on Monday, Leah Remini testified in favor of Paul Haggis. According to her, Haggis was a victim of the Church of Scientology’s scheme against former members who chose to speak up against them.
Remini said that she does not believe that Haggis raped Haleigh Breest in his apartment in January 2013 and believes that Haggis was set up.
Remini said, “The purpose of Scientology lawsuits is just to destroy your life” and that the church will do its best to look for evidence that they can use against you.
Remini left the church in 2013 and has been a critic ever since. As someone who has been harassed and stalked by the church, she has also been “an advocate” for those wronged by its policies.
Haggis, who was born in London, is famous for the films Crash and Million Dollar Baby, both of which received awards at the Oscars. He has been accused of sexual harassment, as well as assault by four other women. In addition to this, a British woman has also said that Haggis forced her to have relations with him. All allegations have no solid proof and Haggis denies all of it. “I’m very happy because for five years I have been unable to clear my name and now I will,” he said.
Deborah Rennard, Haggis’ ex-wife, also took his side. She said that despite previously cheating on her with several women, she did not believe any of the assault accusations.
Haggis and Remini are two of Scientology’s biggest critics. The church was founded by Ron L. Hubbard, a science-fiction author.
The church continues to deny that they are involved in the case. They also said that for years, Haggis has continuously made up stories against them to draw attention away from the fact that he committed crimes.
After deliberation on Thursday, the jury found Haggis guilty and ordered the Academy Award-winning film-maker to pay at least $7.5 million to his accuser, Breest.
