Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life for raping 2 women.
Actor Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison for Rape
LOS ANGELES—In a landmark ruling, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo sentenced “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson to 30 years to life in prison on Thursday for the rape of two women. The courtroom was filled with tension as the judge heard emotional statements from the victims and pleas for fairness from the defense.
Masterson, who has been in custody since May, appeared in court wearing a suit. Despite maintaining his innocence, he listened intently as the women bravely shared their stories. His attorneys have announced plans to appeal the verdict.
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One of the victims, who Masterson was found guilty of raping, expressed her disappointment in his lack of remorse. She told the judge, “I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police.”
After an initial mistrial, prosecutors retried Masterson on all three counts of rape earlier this year. The jury found him guilty on two counts, while the third count resulted in a hung jury.
Before the sentencing, Masterson waived his right to speak. He showed no visible reaction to the judge’s decision, nor did his family members who were present in the courtroom. However, his wife, actor Bijou Phillips, was visibly tearful during the hearing.
The incidents occurred in 2003 at Masterson’s Hollywood-area home when he was at the height of his fame on “That ’70s Show.” The judge handed down the maximum sentence allowed by law, meaning Masterson will be eligible for parole after serving 25.5 years but could potentially remain in prison for life.
Addressing Masterson directly, Judge Olmedo stated, “I know that you’re sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimized by a justice system that has failed you. But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice and choice. One way or another, you will have to come to terms with your prior actions and their consequences.”
The defense requested concurrent sentences for the two convictions and asked for a sentence of 15 years to life. However, the prosecution argued for the full 30 years to life sentence that Masterson was eligible for.
Masterson’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, emphasized the impact of the sentencing on his life and the life of his 9-year-old daughter. Following the hearing, Holley released a statement asserting Masterson’s innocence and expressing confidence in the appeal process.
Prosecutors alleged that Masterson used his influence in the Church of Scientology, where all three women were also members, to evade consequences for years. The victims blamed the church for their reluctance to report the crimes to the police.
During the sentencing hearing, one of the victims, who was also born into the church, revealed the devastating aftermath of her decision to go to the authorities in 2004. She said, “I lost everything. I lost my religion. I lost my ability to contact anyone I’d known or loved my entire life.”
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