Wild clashes erupt between patrons and protestors outside of Hollywood restaurant La Poubelle Bistro named in Danny Masterson rape case where he drugged a woman before assaulting her
An altercation broke out during an anti-Scientology protest outside a Hollywood restaurant, where convicted rapist Danny Masterson took one of his victims and drugged her before attacking her.
Protesters gathered outside La Poubelle Bistro and Bar on Saturday evening, urging customers to avoid the eatery whose owner, Françoise Koster, wrote a letter defending Masterson’s character during his rape trial.
The ‘That 70’s Show’ star was handed a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted of raping two women, one of whom he drugged at the restaurant before taking her to his Hollywood Hills home.
Saturday’s confrontation began when one of the protesters ran over a man who was smoking outside the restaurant. “Are you going to support a place where Danny Masterson raped women?” the protester asked.
An anti-Scientology protest outside La Poubelle Bistro and Bar in Hollywood turned into an altercation Saturday night after a patron knocked a protester’s phone out of his hand, leading to one arrest
La Poubelle is linked to ‘That 70’s Show’ actor Danny Masterson, who was accused of drugging one of his victims at the restaurant before attacking her at his Hollywood Hills home
Protesters urged customers to avoid the eatery whose owner, Francoise Koster, wrote a letter defending Masterson’s character during his rape trial
‘Who is that?’ the man replied. The protester explained that the owner supported the convicted rapist while others joined the conversation.
At least a dozen protesters surrounded the man and poured into the street and surrounding parked vehicles. Several had set up cameras to film the confrontation.
“I already told you about it,” another protester said, pointing his phone directly at the man, who turned and knocked the device out of his hand.
A scuffle ensued, ending when Los Angeles police arrived to break up the brawl and arrest one of the protesters.
“You guys are so full of crap,” one man shouted at the police. “He’s under attack and you fucking lock him up.”
The person who swatted the phone was standing near one of the cruisers, shirtless and talking to an officer.
Los Angeles police confirmed they had arrested one person for battery, but declined to identify the person.
Masterson was convicted in May 2023 after a jury found him guilty of two counts of forcible rape. In late December, Masterson was admitted to North Kern State Prison to begin serving his 30-year-to-life sentence.
The scuffle ended when Los Angeles police arrived to break up the brawl and arrest one of the protesters
“You guys are so full of crap,” one man shouted at police as they took a protester into custody. “He’s under attack and you fucking lock him up.”
Los Angeles police confirmed they had arrested one person for battery, but declined to identify the person
The actor was denied bail last month, with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo citing a flight risk amid his ongoing divorce from Bijou Phillips.
“In light of the fact that the suspect has no wife to go home to, the suspect now has every incentive to flee and little incentive to return to state prison to serve the remainder of his lengthy sentence, should his appeal will not be successful,” Olmedo wrote.
Masterson was arrested in 2020 and accused of raping three women between 2001 and 2003. After his arrest and during his first two trials, the actor was released on $3 million bail.
Masterson was ultimately convicted of raping a 23-year-old in April 2003 and a 28-year-old woman later that year. Both victims said he got them drunk before attacking them at his Hollywood Hills home.
Although he was convicted of only two counts of rape, Masterson had several accusers. At least three claimed they were pressured into silence by the Church of Scientology.
The women — identified in court as Chrissy B., Jen B. and N. Trout — were all practicing Scientologists when they met the actor through church.
La Poubelle Bistro figured prominently in Chrissy B.’s report, who said she lost consciousness after Masterson served her a drink at the restaurant in 2001.
When she woke up the next morning in the actor’s house, she was in severe pain Masterson told her they had sex.
The damning allegations were laid out in a letter to a Scientology official presented during the trial.
Masterson was convicted in May 2023 after a jury found him guilty of two counts of forcible rape. He was considered a flight risk due to his ongoing divorce from actress-model Bijou Phillips (left)
Masterson was arrested in 2020 and charged with raping three women between 2001 and 2003. He was ultimately convicted on only two counts
La Poubelle’s owner, Koster, is a close friend of Masterson and a steadfast defender, even appearing in court to support him.
Court documents describe her as “a restaurateur who has been friends with Danny for thirty years.”
In the character reference, written on August 11, 2023, Koster praised his relationship with his daughter and his devotion to his then-wife, Bijou Philips, after being diagnosed with kidney failure.
The restaurateur described herself as a Buddhist with an upbringing rooted in the Los Angeles community through her family business.
“Over the three decades of our friendship, I have had the honor of witnessing Danny’s extraordinary qualities and the profound impact he has on those around him,” Koster wrote.
‘I am aware that Danny has been convicted of multiple acts of violence through rape, but as you consider Danny’s circumstances I urge you to consider these facets of his character. His commitment as a parent, husband, son, brother and friend.’