Danny Masterson 30 Year Sentence: On Thursday, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo sentenced actor Danny Masterson from “That ’70s Show” to 30 years to life in jail for raping two women two decades ago. The decision is a win for LA prosecutors in the #MeToo era following Weinstein’s conviction.
Masterson, 47, could have received the maximum legal term. He can request parole after 25 1/2 years but may also remain in jail indefinitely. The star waived his right to speak in court before sentencing and appeared unaffected by the verdict. His wife, Bijou Phillips, looked upset earlier.
Despite the defense team’s request for a 15-year sentence and concurrent charges, the court ruled in favor of the prosecution, imposing the complete 30-year term. Masterson’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, mentioned his clean record and dedication as a family man and volunteer at a meeting prior to sentencing.
A panel of 7 women and five men found Masterson guilty of 2 counts of rape on May 31. Both events occurred at Masterson’s Hollywood home in 2003, during his rise to fame on the Fox show “That ’70s Show.” The jury couldn’t decide on a third count of rape against Masterson.
During Masterson’s trial, the Church of Scientology was in the spotlight as all three victims were members. People reported that when they informed church leaders about the actor, they were reprimanded and discouraged from involving the police due to the person’s high rank.
Deputy DA Mueller stated at trial, “They were raped, punished, and retaliated against.” The Church of Scientology denied claims and stated they never stopped members from reporting crimes to the police.
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The first trial began in Dec. 2022 and ended in a mistrial due to the jury’s indecision on three counts of forced rape. Masterson’s defense still disagrees with the second trial decision. Shawn Holley, who aims to appeal and overturn Masterson’s convictions, said significant trial errors resulted in unsupported verdicts.
When one victim reflected on her 2003 ordeal, she described it as “sad, crazy, and very violent.” The world would be better without you. Masterson’s ties to Scientology were significant in the case. Scientology began with L. Ron Hubbard’s book “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health” in 1950.
Many famous people, such as Tom Cruise, Leah Remini, John Travolta, and Kirstie Alley, follow Scientology. Masterson and “That ’70s Show” co-star Laura Prepon left the church.
In his last words, Judge Olmedo told Masterson, “Your actions 20 years ago silenced and deprived someone else.” You’ll have to deal with past actions’ results somehow.Danny Masterson is famous for his roles in “That ’70s Show” (19982006) and “The Ranch” (2017present) on Netflix. His conviction is a significant step in the fight for accountability in Hollywood.
Our Reader’s Queries
How much money does Danny Masterson have?
American actor and DJ, Danny Masterson, and his wife, actress Bijou Phillips, share a net worth of $8 million. Masterson gained fame for his role as Hyde in the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show,” appearing in all 200 episodes from 1998 to 2006.
What did Topher Grace say about Danny Masterson?
In 2018, Grace assured The Hollywood Reporter that he never witnessed any of the mentioned behavior during his tenure on 70’s Show. He stated, “I feel like it sounds like I’m defending him, but the truth is I never saw any of that stuff.”
Does Danny Masterson have kids?
According to documents acquired by PEOPLE, actor Danny Masterson, 47, has granted full legal and physical custody of his daughter Fianna, 9, to his estranged wife Bijou Phillips, 43. Masterson has requested visitation rights.
Who is Danny Mastersons brother?
Christopher Kennedy Masterson, born on January 22, 1980, is an American actor and disc jockey. He is most famous for playing Francis on the Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. He is the younger brother of actor Danny Masterson and the older half-brother of Alanna Masterson and Jordan Masterson, who are also actors.