That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson has been embroiled in serious controversy, and now it finally seems like the legal saga has come to an end. The 47-year-old has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for s*xually assaulting two women. The multiple allegations against Masterson first came out a few years ago with a particular focus on the role of the Church of Scientology. Let’s take a look at why Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison and other details, including a timeline of the case and charges.
Warning: Mentions of rape/sexual assault. Reader’s discretion is advised.
Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison
Over the last six years, Danny Masterson’s legal battle has been the center of media attention. In June 2020, the actor was formally charged with raping three women in his Hollywood Hills home, including one of his ex-girlfriends, between 2001 and 2003.
BREAKING: Hollywood celebrity Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for r*ping two woman at his home in Hollywood Hills.
Hollywood: Scum of the Earth.
Masterson, who starred in "That '70s Show" and is a member of the Church of Scientology, allegedly… pic.twitter.com/fb8wOQU6I6
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 7, 2023
The common factor that ties up the three incidents is that all three women had met the actor through their affiliation with the controversial Church of Scientology. They alleged that Masterson had drugged their drinks and s*xually assaulted them.
Despite a mistrial, prosecutors led the case in favor of the victim. They charged Danny Masterson guilty on two counts of rape with a 15-year sentence for each incident. The verdict did not include the case filed by his former girlfriend.
Danny Masterson’s legal team has constantly maintained that he is innocent throughout the trial. They plan to appeal the verdict based on what they call ‘substantial errors’ in the case.
Timeline of That ’70s Show actor’s assault case
- 2017: The initial accusations of sexual misconduct against Masterson emerge, sparking an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
- June 2020: Formal charges filed against Masterson, accusing him of raping three women between 2001 and 2003.
- Mistrial: The first trial ended in a mistrial in 2022 due to a deadlocked jury.
It’s fitting that Danny Masterson is having his freedom and life taken away from him forcibly, without his consent.
— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) September 7, 2023
- May 2023: Prosecutors retry Masterson, focusing on allegations of drugging the victims, which leads to his conviction on two counts of rape.
- September 2023: Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Breaking down the courtroom drama
Building up to the verdict, the unnamed victims detailed their trauma and accused the Church of Scientology of preventing them from reporting Danny Masterson’s crimes. Throughout the proceedings, the ‘That 70s Show’ actor showed little to no emotion.
Danny Masterson was one of the biggest stars on TV when he played Steven Hyde on "That '70s Show" from 1998 to 2006.
Today, he'll be sentenced for raping two women in 2003. I've got a seat in the courtroom, which is filling up quickly. His family just walked in.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 7, 2023
One of the victims publicly forgave Masterson but called the Church of Scientology an enabler of his acts. Another victim said her mother disowned her for criticizing the religious cult. Allegedly, the organization had even tried to silence them.
The Church of Scientology has vehemently denied these claims and called it a violation of the First Amendment. Former Scientologist Leah Remini stood in support of the victims as she actively opposed the religious movement.
My statement on the sentencing of Scientologist Danny Masterson:
"Sitting in court today with the women who survived Danny Masterson's predation was a surreal experience. Over the past seven decades, former Scientologists have sadly become used to Scientology using its…
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) September 7, 2023
Among the members present in the court were actors and family members of Danny Masterson. This includes his wife, Bijou Phillips, and siblings Alanna Masterson (‘The Walking Dead’), Christopher Masterson (‘Malcolm in the Middle’), and Jordan Masterson.
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