That 70s Show star Danny Masterson made headlines after being first accused of sexual assault in 2017. Since then, four women came forward, accusing the actor of rape, allegations to which the actor pleaded “not guilty.”
Months before the trial, Deadline reported that the Church of Scientology, a religion with which Masterson is associated, petitioned SCOTUS to stop the four alleged victims from taking the church to court. So what’s going to happen to the Masterson? Was he found guilty of his crime?
Danny Masterson verdict, conviction, and sentence details, explained
Masterson may face a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison after he was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape.
Three women accused Masterson of rape at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. According to ABC Australia, the jury couldn’t reach a verdict on a third rape charge back in 2022 and reached a vote in favor of the conviction by 8-4. After the trial, one of the victims issued a statement, saying that she’s relieved that the actor was convicted. She also called out the Church of Scientology to take accountability, a reference to a lawsuit made against the actor and the religious organization 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. 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.”
During the trial, the prosecution accused Masterson of drugging his victims so they were easily controllable. They argued that the actor took away their ability to give consent and that he did it so he’d choose for them. However, the defendant claimed that there was no evidence of these allegations and that there was “no reference” to drugs in the charges made against the actor.
“They were all drugged. The defendant drugs his victims to be in control. He does this to take away these victims’ ability to consent. This is not about consent. This is not about the defendant misunderstanding these victim’s signals. When he drugs them, he’s able to completely physically control them. You don’t want to have sex? You don’t have a choice… The defendant makes that choice for these victims and he does it over and over and over again.”
Masterson was handcuffed and taken into custody after the verdict was red. The judge denied a request for the actor to remain free until the sentencing. His next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2023.
