Actor Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison for Rape (Watch)
Actor Danny Masterson has been given a 30-year-to-life prison sentence for sexually assaulting two women two decades ago. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the verdict following emotional statements from the victims describing the profound impact of Masterson’s actions on their lives.
One of the survivors, identified as N. Trout, stated, “When you raped me, you stole from me; that is what rape is, a theft of the spirit.” Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón praised the women’s courage and stated that justice had been served, with the hope that this case would deter others.
Masterson’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, expressed disappointment with the sentence, citing plans for appeals based on significant evidentiary and constitutional concerns. Masterson maintains his innocence.
The 47-year-old actor, known for roles in “That ’70s Show” and “The Ranch,” was convicted in May for the assaults, with a mistrial declared earlier due to a hung jury. The retrial lasted over a month, resulting in his conviction on two counts of rape by force or fear.
The legal battle against Masterson began in 2020 when he pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape. The case garnered attention due to his Hollywood status and allegations of the Church of Scientology discouraging the victims, who were also members, from reporting the rapes. The church denied any pressure on the victims.
One survivor, Christina B., reported the rape to the church’s “ethics officer,” who dismissed her claims due to her prior relationship with Masterson. Another survivor, Jen B., received a troubling response from the church’s international chief justice when seeking permission to report the rape. The third victim, N. Trout, didn’t inform the church but felt intimidated by potential repercussions.
The Church of Scientology maintained its innocence in the case, while the survivors’ lawyer, Alison Anderson, vowed to continue holding the church accountable for attempting to silence them.