Topline
Former television star Danny Masterson was convicted Wednesday on two counts of forcible rape, according to multiple reports, following a high-profile trial stemming from allegations he sexually assaulted three women he met via the Church of Scientology.
Actor Danny Masterson appears at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville on June 7, 2017. (Photo by Wade … [+]
Key Facts
Masterson was convicted on two counts of rape, but a Los Angeles jury reportedly deadlocked on a third rape charge.
Each charge carries a sentence from 15 years to life in prison, according to the New York Times.
Masterson was escorted from the court in handcuffs and will remain in custody without bail until his sentencing, according to the Associated Press.
A sentencing date has not been set, but the judge overseeing the case has set a hearing date for August 4, AP reported.
Key Background
Masterson rose to stardom in the late 1990s and early 2000s while playing Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show, and later had major roles in sitcoms like Men at Work and The Ranch. He was arrested in 2020 on rape charges, following a years-long investigation into the sexual assault allegations. Masterson was first tried on the rape charges last year, but the judge declared a mistrial after a jury was unable to reach a verdict. Prosecutors at the second trial were cleared to discuss several factors they were limited from bringing up at the first trial, including accusing Masterson of using drugs to take control of his victims. They were also allowed to expound on the role of the Church of Scientology, after the judge did not allow an expert witness during the first trial. Prosecutors said Masterson drugged and raped the three women at his southern California home between 2001 and 2003, while the women testified they brought the allegations to the church but their accounts were ignored. The Church of Scientology has denied wrongdoing and Masterson has not faced drugging charges.
What To Watch For
Masterson’s attorneys may file an appeal, but it is not clear when one may be entered.
Further Reading
Actor Danny Masterson found guilty of 2 rape counts, is led from court in handcuffs (Associated Press)
Actor Danny Masterson Arrested On Rape Charges, Hires Attorney That Repped Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/05/31/that-70s-show-star-danny-masterson-convicted-of-rape/