Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life for Rape Convictions
Los Angeles, CA – Prominent actor Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for two counts of rape. The sentencing follows a re-trial in which Masterson was found guilty after a previous jury failed to reach a verdict in 2022.
Masterson, 47, was convicted of sexually assaulting three women at his Hollywood home during the early 2000s, while he was at the peak of his television fame. The jury heard that he had provided drugs to his victims before the assaults, resulting in convictions for rape against two of the accusers.
One of the key points of contention during the trial was the alleged involvement of the Church of Scientology in covering up the assaults. Several victims claimed they were discouraged from reporting the rapes to the police by Scientology officials and were offered financial settlements and non-disclosure agreements.
While Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed discussions about Scientology’s practices during the trial, the organization vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In response, some survivors spoke of being shunned by family members who remained loyal to the Church.
Despite facing persistent harassment and intimidation, the victims’ lawyer, Alison Anderson, praised their courage in holding Masterson accountable. She said, “These courageous women helped hold a ruthless sexual predator accountable today.”
The sentencing hearing was attended by actress and activist Leah Remini, who has been outspoken about her experiences with Scientology. Jessica Barth, who founded Voices in Action, a non-profit advocating for abuse survivors, also attended.
Masterson, who first faced accusations in 2017 during the #MeToo movement, consistently denied the allegations, asserting that the encounters were consensual. The Los Angeles Police Department conducted a three-year investigation, resulting in charges in this case while dismissing two others due to insufficient evidence and statute of limitations issues.
In the courtroom, Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, was visibly emotional as the judge delivered the maximum penalty allowed. Masterson was deemed a flight risk and taken into prison custody following his conviction.
In the wake of this high-profile case, questions persist about the intersection of celebrity, religion, and justice, highlighting the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual assault allegations in the entertainment industry.