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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Edward Helmore

Paul Haggis can argue Church of Scientology behind rape allegation, judge rules

Oscar-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis arrives for a hearing in Brindisi, Italy, June 22, 2022.
Paul Haggis was separately accused over the summer of sexually assaulting a woman at an Italian film festival. Photograph: Ciro de Luca/Reuters

Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis will be allowed to argue that the Church of Scientology is behind a rape allegation against him, a judge in New York has ruled.

Haggis, who was separately accused over the summer of sexually assaulting a woman at an Italian film festival, will be permitted to argue that church members were involved in a previous rape allegation brought by film publicist Haleigh Breest dating back to 2013. That case, stemming from a civil lawsuit pursued by Breest, is set to go to trial next month.

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