Danny Masterson, ‘That 70’s Show’ actor convicted of rape

2023-06-01 13:35:11

A Los Angeles jury found Danny Masterson guilty of rape. The actor, known to the general public for his role as Steven in the sitcom ‘That 70’s Show’ with Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, faces a 30-year sentence. Three women, all former members of the Church of Scientology, accused Masterson of sexual assault at his Hollywood home between 2001 and 2003.

The prosecution also argued that the actor used his status within Scientology to avoid responsibility, and that the organization itself had attempted to cover up the violence. The women said they came forward years later because the Church of Scientology advised them against going to the police, instead forcing them to go to the Church’s “judicial system.” Here Scientology members had threatened to kick them out of the organization unless they signed a non-disclosure agreement and accepted a $400,000 payment (an accusation categorically denied by Scientology officials).

“I am experiencing a complex set of emotions – said one of the victims – in knowing that my rapist, Danny Masterson, will pay for his crimes: relief, fatigue, strength and sadness”. Masterson had already been taken to court in December 2022, but in that case the jury failed to reach a unanimous judgment. However, the prosecution lawyers had decided to try the actor again, with evidence previously excluded in the first trial.

The jury heard testimony in which the three women said they were sedated before being raped, but Masterson was not charged with drugging his victims. The actor was first accused of rape in 2017, at the height of the popularity of the #MeToo movement: at the time, Masterson replied that he had neither been tried nor convicted of the crime and said that ” These days you’re found guilty the moment you’re charged.”

During the trial, the defense tried to undermine the credibility of the victims, relying on the contradictions present in their testimonies and their willingness to retaliate against Scientology.

Masterson’s attorneys also argued that the prosecution focused on the drug aspect of the victims’ testimony because there was no clear evidence of Masterson’s use of violence. After the verdict, the plaintiff’s lawyers tried unsuccessfully to declare the trial null and void.