Court Considering Sanctions on Boies Schiller for AI Blunder in Masterson/Scientology Civil Suit

Hearing set for March 3 as judge weighs monetary penalties for law firm's use of AI in case

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

The lawsuit filed by Danny Masterson's victims against the actor and the Church of Scientology is headed to a crucial hearing on March 3, where the court is considering imposing monetary sanctions on Boies Schiller partner John Kucera, who is representing the Jane Doe plaintiffs. The sanctions are being considered due to an AI blunder by the law firm in the case.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention as it alleges that Masterson and Scientology engaged in a conspiracy to cover up the actor's sexual assaults. The potential sanctions against Boies Schiller highlight the growing scrutiny around the use of AI in legal proceedings, particularly in high-profile cases with serious allegations.

The details

The court has given notice that it is considering sanctioning Boies Schiller partner John Kucera, who is representing the Jane Doe victims in the lawsuit against Masterson and Scientology. The sanctions are related to the law firm's use of AI in the case, which the court has deemed an improper and potentially prejudicial tactic.

  • The public will have a chance to watch the crucial hearing in the case on March 3.
  • The court gave notice of the potential sanctions on Thursday.

The players

John Kucera

A partner at the law firm Boies Schiller, representing the Jane Doe plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology.

Danny Masterson

The actor who is being sued by his alleged victims for sexual assault, with the Church of Scientology also named as a defendant in the case for allegedly conspiring to cover up the crimes.

Boies Schiller

The law firm representing the Jane Doe plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Masterson and Scientology, which is now facing potential sanctions from the court for its use of AI in the case.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the sanctions against Boies Schiller for its use of AI in the proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns around the use of AI in legal proceedings, particularly in high-profile cases with serious allegations. The potential sanctions against Boies Schiller serve as a warning to law firms about the need to carefully consider the implications of using AI in sensitive cases.