Title: “Former That ’70s Show Star Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life for Rape”
Los Angeles actor Danny Masterson has been handed a severe prison sentence of 30 years to life after being found guilty of raping two women. Masterson, who gained fame for his role in the hit TV series That ’70s Show, committed the crimes in the early 2000s. His status as a prominent Scientologist was alleged to have shielded him from accountability, according to prosecutors.
During the sentencing hearing, Masterson’s victims were given the opportunity to read their statements in court, shedding light on the impact of his actions. Prominent former Scientologist and actress Leah Remini attended the hearing to provide support and comfort to the survivors. “I wished I had reported him earlier to the police,” expressed one of the women, regretting her initial hesitation.
Another survivor, with remarkable courage, chose to forgive Masterson, stating, “Your sickness is no longer mine to bear.” Masterson remained silent throughout the proceedings, while his wife, Bijou Phillips, broke down in tears in the courtroom as the judge delivered the maximum sentence.
Masterson’s conviction came after a retrial, as the first jury failed to reach a verdict in 2022. Three women testified against him, sharing their experiences of sexual assault at his Hollywood home during the pinnacle of his television fame. It was revealed during the trial that Masterson had drugged the victims before the attacks.
The actor was found guilty of rape charges for two of the accusers, while the third defendant’s case was declared a mistrial. Prosecutors have no plans for a retrial regarding the third accuser’s charges.
Alison Anderson, a lawyer representing two of the victims, commended their strength and bravery, emphasizing the importance of holding sexual predators accountable. She also highlighted the role the Church of Scientology allegedly played in suppressing their abuse and vowed to continue raising awareness about this issue.
Masterson faced accusations of rape for the first time in 2017, during the height of the #MeToo movement, where he denied the allegations and claimed all encounters were consensual. The Los Angeles Police Department investigated the claims for three years, and while charges were not filed for two other cases, Masterson’s current conviction has brought him to face justice.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that the Church of Scientology had aided in covering up the assaults. Masterson and all three of his accusers were Scientologists at the time of the crimes. The women claimed that the church discouraged them from reporting the rapes to the police, with one survivor allegedly being coerced into signing a non-disclosure agreement and receiving a payment of $400,000 to keep silent.
The Church of Scientology vehemently denied these claims, stating that there was no evidence to support them. However, Judge Olmedo allowed the discussion of Scientology practices during the trial, causing further tensions with the organization.
In addition to Leah Remini, the courtroom was filled with supporters, including Jessica Barth, founder of Voices in Action, an organization that encourages victims of abuse to come forward. Barth herself had accused Harvey Weinstein of abuse.
Before the hearing, Masterson’s defense team motioned for a new trial, which was denied by the judge.
Danny Masterson’s sentencing serves as a significant moment for the #MeToo movement and sends a powerful message about the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their social standing or affiliation.