In a verdict that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, Danny Masterson, the actor best known for his role in "That '70s Show," has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The sentence comes after Masterson was found guilty of raping two women over two decades ago at his Hollywood Hills residence.
The case against Masterson was complex and highly publicized, with the actor facing charges of raping three women, identified in court as Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2, and Jane Doe #3, between 2001 and 2003. While he was convicted on two of these counts, the jury acquitted him on the third.
The trial was not just about the allegations against Masterson but also cast a spotlight on the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a member. All three accusers were former members of the church, and they alleged that the institution tried to suppress their accusations. While the church was not a defendant in the case, the trial saw testimonies claiming that church officials had pressured witnesses not to cooperate with the police regarding the rape allegations. The Church of Scientology has consistently denied these claims.
The legal proceedings against Masterson have been lengthy and fraught with challenges. His first trial, which took place in November 2022, ended in a mistrial, with jurors leaning more towards acquittal. However, the retrial saw a different outcome, leading to his current conviction.
Throughout the trial, Masterson's defense team argued that the encounters were consensual and sought to highlight inconsistencies in the women's stories. Despite the conviction, Masterson's legal team remains adamant about his innocence. Shawn Holley, one of Masterson's attorneys, stated, "Mr. Masterson did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted," signaling that the legal battle is far from over.
The emotional toll of the trial was evident, with heart-wrenching impact statements from the victims. One of the women Masterson was convicted of raping stated, "When you raped me, you stole from me. That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit." Another expressed her regret for not reporting him sooner.
The case has also had a significant impact on Masterson's personal life. His wife, Bijou Phillips, who stood by him throughout the trials, was visibly distraught after the sentencing.
The Masterson case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors, especially when the accused is a prominent figure. It also raises questions about the role institutions, like the Church of Scientology, play in such cases and the lengths they might go to protect their members.
As the legal proceedings continue, with Masterson's team planning an appeal, the case remains a focal point of discussions about justice, celebrity, and the role of powerful institutions in shaping narratives.