Danny Masterson Convicted on Two Counts of Forcible Rape, Faces 30 Years in Prison
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Danny Masterson, the former star of “That ’70s Show,” was convicted Wednesday on two counts of forcible rape.
The jury could not reach a verdict on a third rape charge, deadlocking with a vote of 8-4 in favor of conviction.
Masterson faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison on the two charges. Shortly after the clerk read the guilty verdicts, there was an audible gasp from Masterson’s family, who were seated in the audience.
Masterson was accused of raping three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. The jury convicted him of raping two women in 2003, but could not reach a verdict on an allegation from November 2001 involving a former girlfriend.
After the verdict was read, Masterson was handcuffed and taken into custody. Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request that he remain free until sentencing. A hearing was set for Aug. 4.
Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, was seen sobbing in the front row of the audience.
One of the victims, known in court as Jane Doe 2, issued a statement expressing relief that Masterson was convicted. She also referred to a pending civil case, in which she and the other accusers have sued Masterson and the Church of Scientology for harassment and stalking.
“I am experiencing a complex array of emotions – relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness – knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behavior,” she said. “I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but take great solace in the fact that he, the Church of Scientology, and others, will have to fully account for their abhorrent actions in civil court.”
Masterson’s former girlfriend, Jane Doe 3, said in a statement that she was “devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.”
She said she was determined to seek justice in civil court, where she said the three women will “shine a light on how Scientology and other conspirators enabled and sought to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior.”
Los Angeles D.A. George Gascón thanked the jury for its service and praised the women for coming forward.
“Their courage and strength have been an inspiration to us all,” he said. “While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision.”
Content retrieved from: https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/danny-mastersons-second-rape-trial-1235616690/.
