That 70’s Show star Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of rape. In May 2023, the actor was found guilty of two out of three forcible rape charges. Despite his claims of innocence, the jury determined that Danny had indeed raped two women between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills home. However, they were unable to reach a verdict on an allegation involving a former girlfriend from November 2001. On Thursday, September 7, Judge Charlaine Olmedo sternly addressed Danny in the courtroom, emphasizing that he was not the victim and that his actions from two decades ago had caused irreversible harm to another human being.
The sentencing had a profound emotional impact on Danny Masterson’s family. His wife, Bijou Phillips, was visibly distraught and seen crying at the courthouse. In addition, his siblings, who are also Hollywood actors, were present to support him. Half-siblings Alanna Masterson and Christopher Masterson, known for their roles in The Walking Dead and Malcolm In the Middle respectively, along with brother Jordan Masterson, who starred in Last Man Standing, all stood by him during this difficult time. Danny’s half-brother, Will, is a Hollywood producer.
This was the second trial for Danny Masterson, as the first trial ended in November 2022 with a hung jury. The judge made the decision to retry the case with a fresh set of jurors. Throughout the second trial, the prosecution argued that the women were drugged. Initially, the victims testified that they had little to no memory after consuming a drink prepared by Danny during the incidents. However, they did not explicitly state that they had been drugged. Nevertheless, the jury found the evidence compelling enough to convict him on two rape charges.
At the sentencing in Los Angeles’ downtown court, the three victims, referred to as Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 3, delivered powerful impact statements. Jane Doe 1, who had grown up in the Church of Scientology, shared that she followed the church’s “policy” and did not report her rape to outside authorities. She expressed her frustration with the consequences she faced for speaking out against Danny, a celebrity protected by the church. Jane Doe 2, who described herself as a “brainwashed member” of Scientology at the time of the assault, claimed that concerted efforts were made to cover up Danny’s behavior. She concluded by stating that Danny’s emptiness and cowardice would be his true legacy and that the world is safer with him behind bars. Jane Doe 3 revealed that she has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of the ordeal.
All three victims were former members of the Church of Scientology, and their testimonies shed light on the church’s alleged role in dissuading them from reporting the actor to the police. One of the most outspoken former members, Leah Remini, was present in the front row during the sentencing, showing her support for the victims. The women explained that their connections to the church and fear of backlash had prevented them from seeking justice earlier. Their testimonies raised questions about the influence and control exerted by the Church of Scientology over its members.
That ’70s Show, which aired for eight years from 1998 to 2006, followed the lives of a group of six teenage friends living in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, in the late 1970s. Danny Masterson was part of the ensemble cast, which included Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, and Wilmer Valderrama. The show enjoyed significant popularity during its run, but with Danny’s conviction, it brings a solemn end to the once-beloved series.
Danny Masterson’s conviction and subsequent sentencing to prison for rape charges have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The emotional impact on his wife and family, combined with the powerful victim impact statements, has underscored the severity of his crimes. The trial also highlighted the alleged influence of the Church of Scientology and the challenges faced by victims who try to seek justice within such organizations. The case against Danny Masterson serves as a somber reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their fame or connections.
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