Tayyaba
TW: Mentions of r*pe
Danny Masterson, best known for his work on hit shows like “That ’70s Show” and Netflix’s “The Ranch” was facing up to 30 years in prison for the r*pe charges brought against him. Here’s what we know about the case and the victim’s statements:
The Verdict & Case Overview Of Actor Danny Masterson’s R*pe Trial
The 47-year-old actor maintained his innocence throughout his ongoing trial, but he was convicted on two out of three charges related to accusations that he r*ped three women in his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003, which coincides with the duration of his stint on That ’70s Show. Despite being unable to reach a unanimous verdict for the third charge pertaining to the r*pe of a then-girlfriend in November 2001, the jury still voted in favor of conviction in the other two cases. In this third case, he has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
Danny Masterson stood before the judge in a sharp, suited attire. His slicked-back hair framed a full-grown beard, and he notably remained completely silent throughout his sentencing hearing. His friends and family, including his model wife Bijou Phillips (who was seen crying in the courthouse), were in attendance to support him. Among them were his siblings, including The Walking Dead’s Alanna Masterson, Malcolm in the Middle’s Christopher Masterson, and actor Jordan Masterson. All of the Mastersons were seated together in the courtroom during the sentencing.
What did the victims say about the case against Danny Masterson?
During his sentencing, the three women who brought charges against Masterson spoke about the impact his crimes had on their lives. Jane Doe 1 called Masterson a “coward and heartless monster” while Jane Doe 2 addressed Masterson directly across the courtroom, saying “I still have to contend with what you did to me that night… That takes a life’s worth of therapy to repair. Every time I think I’m okay, that r*pe comes back to me.” The third victim then shared that she has been diagnosed with PTSD due to the events of that night.
During both of his trials, the Church of Scientology was put under the spotlight. Danny Masterson is a long-time member, while all three victims were also members at the time of the assaults but all three women have since left the church. During their victim impact statements, the women shared how the cult prevented them from reporting the assaults to the police. Prosecutors argued throughout the trial that Masterson took advantage of his prominent position in the Church to commit r*pe with impunity.