Danny Masterson ‘That 70s Show’ Star Found Guilty on Two Rape Counts

In Los Angeles, a jury has found US actor Danny Masterson guilty of two out of three rape charges. The potential sentence for the lead actor of That ’70s Show is up to 30 years in prison.

Escorted from court, he was seen in handcuffs. Three women, who are former members of the Church of Scientology, have accused the actor of sexual assault at his Hollywood home between 2001 and 2003.

According to prosecutors, Masterson allegedly used his prominent status as a member of the Church of Scientology to evade responsibility. After a week of deliberations, the jury consisting of seven women and five men was unable to reach a verdict on a third count.

The jury ended up deadlocked at 8-4. According to a statement quoted by the Associated Press, one of the victims of Danny Masterson, who was raped in 2003, expressed a range of emotions, including relief, exhaustion, strength, and sadness, upon learning that her abuser will face accountability for his criminal behavior.

According to CBS News, actress and model Bijou Phillips, Masterson’s wife, was seen weeping as he was taken away. As per reports, the other family members and friends present at the scene remained expressionless. In December 2022, a previous jury was unable to reach a verdict.

In a recent development, prosecutors have decided to retry Masterson. Notably, the presiding judge has granted attorneys permission to introduce new evidence that was previously excluded from the first trial.

During the trial, it was revealed that the women who were allegedly raped by the actor had been drugged beforehand, although the actor himself was not charged with administering the drugs. During the peak of the #MeToo movement in 2017, Masterson faced allegations of rape.

According to the individual in question, he has not faced any charges or convictions for a crime. He also expressed his belief that during the time in question, individuals were often assumed to be guilty as soon as they were accused.

Following a three-year investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, charges were filed. According to sources, prosecutors have declined to press charges in two separate cases due to a lack of evidence and the expiration of the statute of limitations.

During the trial, prosecutors contended that the Church of Scientology had assisted in concealing the assaults, a claim that the organization has firmly refuted.

Actor Danny Masterson has been convicted on two counts of forcible rape and now faces up to 30 years in prison.

Following the announcement of the verdict, the International Church of Scientology released a statement asserting that the prosecution’s criticisms of the Church throughout the trial constituted an unparalleled infringement of the First Amendment.

According to the organization’s tweet, the Church was not involved in the case and they believe that religion should not have been a part of the proceeding.

According to the statement made by the speaker, the District Attorney allegedly focused on the defendant’s religion during the prosecution, which is considered to be unfair.

All three of Masterson’s accusers and Masterson himself were members of the Church of Scientology during the time of the alleged assaults.

According to multiple women, it took them years to speak out about their experiences due to alleged discouragement from Church of Scientology officials to report the rape to law enforcement. According to prosecutors, the individuals were compelled to depend on the Church’s “internal justice system” instead.

According to prosecutors, Scientology officials allegedly informed a survivor that she would face expulsion from the Church unless she agreed to sign a non-disclosure agreement and receive a payment of $400,000 (£320,000).

In a recent court hearing, Judge Charlaine Olmedo granted permission for both parties to delve into the dogma and practices of Scientology.

According to Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson’s statement during the trial, the Church allegedly instructed the victims that rape was not considered as such, they were responsible for it, and most importantly, they were prohibited from seeking help from law enforcement.

According to a statement released by the Church, they have denied the allegations of harassment made against them, stating that there is no evidence to support these claims.

During the trial, the defense honed in on the alleged inconsistencies in the testimony of the “Jane Does” and their purported motive to seek “revenge” against their former Church, in an attempt to discredit their credibility.

In the closing arguments, Masterson’s defense attorney commented on the survivors stating, “There are motives all over the place if you are searching for reasons why people are not being truthful.”

Prior to the closing arguments, an attorney affiliated with the Church of Scientology sent an email to the district attorney’s office, expressing dissatisfaction with the Church’s portrayal in the retrial. It is worth noting that the Church was not a defendant in the case.

According to the defense, the prosecution heavily relied on testimony about drugging due to the lack of evidence of any force or violence. In an attempt to have a mistrial declared, Masterson’s legal team made an unsuccessful effort.