John Travolta Filing Counter-Suit Amid Accusations of Sexually Assaulting Man; Fans Blaming Scientology?
John Travolta, who broke out with leading roles in "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease," is engaged in a legal dispute with a male masseur who is suing for $2 million after he was allegedly sexually assaulted by the entertainer. However, Travolta has denied the claims and is reportedly taking legal action against his accuser while fans are using the incident as an opportunity to speak against his affiliation with Scientology.
Travolta, 58, reportedly ordered a massage from an online advertisement and met the masseuse in a Beverly Hills hotel where he had a personal bungalow, according to a Fox News report. In the court documents, the plaintiff alleged that Travolta inappropriately touched the masseuse and attempted to engage in sexual acts with the man.
Although representatives for the actor denied the allegations, some speculators took to Twitter to question if there was a link between Travolta's Scientology affiliation and his current legal issues.
"Not surprised about John Travolta. Those Scientologists are freaks," one person tweeted.
Another joked that his affiliation with the organization would help him win the case.
"The saddest thing about John Travolta's sexual assault case is that the plaintiff will surely be swiftly murdered by Scientologists," another person tweeted.
After learning about the Travolta allegations, some said they lost interest in the religion.
"John Travolta is gay," one fan questioned. "This is really turning me off of Scientology."
Still, Travolta's representatives denied the claims made by the masseur.
"This lawsuit is complete fiction and fabrication," a statement to E! News said. "None of the events claimed in the suit ever occurred. The plaintiff, who refuses to give their name, knows that the suit is a baseless lie."
According to Travolta's representatives, the actor plans to counter sue the accuser.
"Plaintiff's attorney has filed this suit to try and get his 15 minutes of fame," Travolta's representatives said. "John intends to get this case thrown out and then he will sue the attorney and plaintiff for malicious prosecution."
Travolta has been married to Kelly Preston since 1991. The couple had three children together. Their oldest son Jett died from a seizure in 2009.