Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape in 2003
Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for two rapes he committed in 2003.
“Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here,” said California Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. OhImedo told the actor in court, according to journalist Meghann Cuniff.
“Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s choice and voice. Twenty years ago today your actions were criminal, and that is why you are here. »
All of Masterson’s accusers were given the opportunity to make statements during the hearing.
“You like to hurt women. It’s your addiction. This is definitely your favorite activity,” said one of the victims: by Cuniff.
Leah Remini, a vocal opponent of Masterson, was reportedly present at the sentencing.
The ‘That ’70s Show’ alum, who was first seen in jail on Thursday, faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Masterson, 47, was convicted of his crimes in May in a retrial after the first ended in a hung jury in November 2022. They deliberated for seven hours.
However, the jury only agreed on two of the three counts at the retrial earlier this year. The third, involving a woman identified only as Jane Doe #3, was declared void and dismissed.
The three women who accused Masterson of s****l abuse were a 23-year-old, who claimed to have raped her in the winter of 2001, a 28-year-old, who claimed her rape took place in April 2003, and another 23-year-old man, whose alleged incident allegedly took place around the fall and winter of 2003.
One of the women was an ex-girlfriend and all accusers are believed to be from the Church of Scientology.
According to ABC News, they were initially reluctant to come forward because the Church allegedly discouraged its members from reporting crimes to the police. Since then, they have all left the church.
Testimony during the second trial accused the former student of “Men at Work” of having drugged his victims before s****lly a*saulting them. The ex-girlfriend claimed she had to pull his hair to stop him from raping her.
Masterson pleaded not guilty in January 2021.
“We are confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence is finally revealed and the witnesses have the opportunity to testify,” his lawyer, Tom Mesereau, told the Hollywood Reporter at the time.
“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock as these nearly 20-year-old allegations suddenly result in charges being laid, but they and their family are rea*sured to know that the truth will eventually come out. . “People who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations are false.”
Masterson, who is a Scientologist, has been married to actress Bijou Phillips since 2011.
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A source told People in June that the “Raising Hope” alum was “shocked and devastated” by her husband’s sentencing.
“She was unprepared for the verdict,” the source added. “She didn’t expect him to be found guilty. She couldn’t believe he was immediately taken into custody and remanded in custody.
Phillips, 43, also reportedly felt “terrified” by Masterson’s sentencing, the source said.
After the guilty verdict, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón released a statement praising the three women who came forward.
“Their courage and strength was an inspiration to all of us,” he said in May.
“While we are disappointed that the jury did not find all counts guilty, we respect their decision. Jury verdicts in this case have undoubtedly been elusive and we thank the jurors for their service.
Gascón added that his team “will continue to educate the public about the importance of consent, healthy relationships and spectator intervention.”
He concluded: “We believe that by working together we can create a safer and fairer society for all. »
