Actor Danny Masterson Found Guilty of Two Counts of Forcible Rape in Retrial Involving Three Women
Actor Danny Masterson, best known for his role in “That '70s Show”, has been found guilty of two counts of forcible rape in a retrial involving three women.[0] The jury was deadlocked on the third rape charge against Masterson, which involved a former long-time girlfriend of the actor.[1] Between 2001 and 2003, Masterson faced charges of sexually assaulting three women at his residence in Hollywood Hills.[2] He pleaded not guilty to all three counts in 2021.[3] The trial that ended on Wednesday was the second attempt after a previous trial was declared a mistrial in November 2022.[3]
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office had placed an increased emphasis on Masterson's ties to the Church of Scientology, of which he is a long-time member.[4] The actor allegedly spiked the drinks of his victims, who were all Scientologists themselves at the time.[4] During the retrial, the prosecutors emphasized time and again the alleged policies and practices of Scientology that hinder victims from reporting rape to the authorities.[4]
Masterson now faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life in prison.[5] The judge ordered Masterson and his lawyers to return to court on August 4 for a hearing.[6] Masterson was taken into custody immediately after the verdict was read out, while his wife, actor Bijou Phillips, reportedly let out a “pained cry” and audibly wept until the judge asked her whether she needed to step outside the courtroom.
“We want to express our gratitude to the three women who came forward and bravely shared their experiences.[7] Their courage and strength have been an inspiration to us all,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón in a statement on Wednesday.[8] “While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision.”[9]
Masterson and the Church of Scientology are also defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by the three women involved in the criminal case and one woman who was not a member of the church. The suit alleges that Masterson and the church engaged in stalking, physical invasion of privacy, and conspiracy to obstruct justice after the women reported their allegations against Masterson to the Los Angeles Police Department in 2016 and 2017.[10] That civil suit is reportedly on pause and could resume later this year.[11]
Masterson was fired from his Netflix series “The Ranch” in December 2017 amid the sexual assault allegations.[1] In August 2019, Masterson and the Church of Scientology were sued in a civil case by four women – three of whom were involved in the criminal case and one who was not affiliated with the church. The lawsuit claims that following their report of sexual assault allegations against the actor to the Los Angeles police, the women were subjected to stalking and harassment.
“We also recognize that preventing sexual assault is critical and we will continue to educate the public on the importance of consent, healthy relationships and bystander intervention.[10] We believe that by working together, we can create a safer and more just society for all,” said Gascón.[10]
0. “Jury finds Danny Masterson guilty on 2 counts in rape retrial” ABC News, 31 May. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/jury-finds-danny-masterson-guilty-2-counts-rape/story?id=98936910
1. “Danny Masterson convicted on 2 counts of rape in retrial” FOX 10 News Phoenix, 31 May. 2023, https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/danny-masterson-convicted-rape-2-counts
2. “Danny Masterson found guilty on two counts of rape” The A.V. Club, 31 May. 2023, https://www.avclub.com/danny-masterson-found-guilty-on-two-counts-of-rape-1850493364
3. “Danny Masterson Sexual Assault Conviction: A ‘Relieved' Leah Remini Warns Scientology ‘This Case Is Just the Beginning'” TVLine, 1 Jun. 2023, https://tvline.com/2023/05/31/danny-masterson-rape-trial-verdict-leah-remini-reaction-scientology/
4. “That '70s Show Actor Danny Masterson Convicted Of Rape, Faces 30 Years In Prison” Screen Rant, 1 Jun. 2023, https://screenrant.com/danny-masterson-rape-trial-guilty-sentence/
5. “Cedric Bixler-Zavala Addresses Danny Masterson Rape Conviction: “Rot in Jail”” Consequence, 1 Jun. 2023, https://consequence.net/2023/05/cedric-bixler-zavala-danny-masterson-rape-conviction
6. “Danny Masterson Guilty Verdict: Mars Volta Singer Responds “F*** Scientology”” Stereogum, 31 May. 2023, https://www.stereogum.com/2225544/cedric-bixler-zavala-responds-to-danny-masterson-guilty-verdict-fuck-scientology/news/
7. “Danny Masterson, ‘That ’70s Show’ actor, found guilty of rape” CNN, 31 May. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/31/entertainment/danny-masterson-verdict-second-trial/index.html
8. “Wife Bijou Phillips breaks down as Danny Masterson found GUILTY of drugging and raping two women” Daily Mail, 31 May. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12100459/Danny-Masterson-GUILTY-rape.html
9. “Danny Masterson Found Guilty of Rape, That 70s Show Star Faces 30 Years in Prison” ComingSoon.net, 31 May. 2023, https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/news/1292513-danny-masterson-found-guilty-of-rape
10. “Danny Masterson Found Guilty on 2 Charges of Rape in Sexual Assault Retrial: Details” Us Weekly, 31 May. 2023, https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/danny-masterson-found-guilty-of-rape-in-sexual-assault-retrial/
11. “Danny Masterson's Wife Bijou Phillips Let Out a Wail in Court During His Guilty Verdict” Entertainment Tonight, 1 Jun. 2023, https://www.etonline.com/danny-mastersons-wife-bijou-phillips-let-out-a-wail-in-court-during-his-guilty-verdict-205621
