Title: “Former “That ’70s Show” Actor Danny Masterson Found Guilty of Rape, Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison”
Subtitle: Masterson’s Conviction Highlights Issues of Victim Silence and Church Influence
Date: September 7, 2023
Los Angeles – Former “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty on two counts of rape in a retrial. The 47-year-old actor was convicted of forcible rape in a Los Angeles courtroom in May, involving two women. The first count against him was declared a mistrial, and prosecutors subsequently dropped the charge. Masterson will also be required to register as a sex offender.
During the probation and sentencing hearing, Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied the defense motion for a new trial. The Judge also allowed all three Jane Does in the case to speak and present their victim impact statements during the hearing. Masterson had pleaded not guilty to three counts of felony rape, encompassing attacks from 2001 to 2003, including allegations made by his former girlfriend.
After the verdict, Masterson was deemed a flight risk and taken into custody. Emotion-filled victim impact statements were delivered by the two women he was convicted of raping. Jane Doe 1 urged a life sentence for Masterson and expressed regret for not reporting him to the police earlier. In a striking contrast, Jane Doe 2 forgave Masterson, stating that his “sickness” was no longer her burden. Jane Doe 3, whose charge was dismissed, read a statement thanking the judge for providing her with an opportunity to use her voice and shared her experience of facing debilitating health issues since the incident.
Defense attorney Shawn Holley requested a sentence of 15 years to be served concurrently, citing Masterson’s lack of prior criminal record and his responsibilities as a parent. However, the judge ruled that the sentences should be served consecutively and imposed a term of 30 years to life.
The first trial in November 2022 resulted in a mistrial due to a deadlocked and indecisive jury unable to reach a verdict. All three victims were associated with the Church of Scientology, to which Masterson also belongs. The women initially hesitated to report the assaults due to the belief that church teachings discouraged contacting the authorities. However, they decided to leave the church and ultimately came forward with their allegations.
One of the victims testified that Masterson forcefully assaulted her, shoving a pillow into her face in 2003. The woman referred to as Jane Doe No. 3, who was dating Masterson at the time, accused him of raping her while she was asleep in 2001. Both Jane Doe No. 3 and Jane Doe No. 2 are additionally involved in a civil case against Masterson and the Church of Scientology.
In his closing arguments, defense attorney Philip Cohen questioned the credibility of the women’s testimonies, suggesting their stories may have been manipulated to support their case. Cohen further insinuated that they could be motivated by “hatred, revenge, or money.” Despite the defense’s objections regarding the prosecutors’ emphasis on the alleged drugging of the victims, Judge Olmedo ruled it was relevant to their ability to perceive the events.
Danny Masterson, who was arrested in 2020, maintains that all of the encounters were consensual. At the time of the alleged rapes, “That ’70s Show” was still being aired.
The Church of Scientology has asserted that it does not discourage members from reporting criminal activities and adheres to all laws. However, this case has brought attention to concerns regarding victim silence and the impact of religious institutions on survivors coming forward with their experiences.
Masterson’s conviction represents a significant step toward justice for the victims and serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and believing survivors of sexual assault.