“That 70’s Show” actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of forcible rape.
The verdict was handed down in May, though the jury remained deadlocked on a third charge following eight days of deliberation by seven men and five women.
The 30-year sentence, the maximum allowable under the law, comes as a culmination of a legal battle that saw Masterson’s defense team vowing to appeal due to what they termed “substantial” errors in the trial.
Shawn Holley, Masterson’s attorney, expressed her disappointment with the sentence, asserting that a team of esteemed appellate lawyers had identified significant evidentiary and constitutional issues in the trial. She firmly believed that these convictions would ultimately be overturned.
While the defense remains steadfast in their belief in Masterson’s innocence, Alison Anderson, a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP and attorney for the victims, Jane Does 2 and 3, lauded the courage of these women.
In a statement to Fox Digital News, Anderson said, “Niesha and Chrissie have displayed tremendous strength and bravery, by coming forward to law enforcement and participating directly in two grueling criminal trials.”
“Despite persistent harassment, obstruction and intimidation, these courageous women helped hold a ruthless sexual predator accountable today, and they are not stopping there,” she continued. “They are eager to soon tell the fuller story of how Scientology and its enablers tried desperately to keep them from coming forward.”
During the sentencing hearing, the victims delivered powerful impact statements. One survivor, who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003, declared, “When you raped me, you stole from me. That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
She went on to label Masterson as “pathetic, disturbed, and completely violent… The world is better off with you in prison”
TRENDING: ‘The Tonight Show’ Dirty Laundry Aired Out By Several Insiders Who Allege Toxic Workplace
The second survivor, also a victim of Masterson’s, said told the judge Masterson “has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused.”
“I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police,” she continued.
Throughout these statements, Masterson remained stoic, showing no visible reaction to the emotional testimonies.
The Church of Scientology had previously asserted that the trial’s use of religion violated First Amendment rights after Masterson’s initial guilty verdict. The Church adamantly denied any policy against reporting criminal conduct to law enforcement and refuted allegations of harassment, intimidation, or obstruction of the accusers.
This high-profile case marked Masterson’s second trial in less than six months after the first ended in a mistrial. Initially facing the possibility of up to 45 years in prison on three counts of rape by force or fear, Masterson was convicted for sexual assaults that occurred between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills residence.
The prosecution contended that Masterson had drugged the victims’ drinks to facilitate the sexual assaults. They argued that his status within the Church of Scientology, of which all three victims were members, allowed him to evade accountability for his actions over the years.
The victims cited the church’s strict protocols against public involvement with member issues as a reason for their initial reluctance to file charges.
One of the accusers whom Masterson was convicted of raping at his home in 2003, said in statement to Fox News Digital, “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.”
Another accuser said, “I thank the jury for its service, and while I’m encouraged that Danny Masterson will face some criminal punishment, I am devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.
“Despite my disappointment in this outcome, I remain determined to secure justice, including in civil court, where I, along with my co-plaintiffs, will shine a light on how Scientology and other conspirators enabled and sought to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior.”
Masterson’s legal team maintained that the sexual acts were consensual and sought to highlight changes and inconsistencies in the victims’ stories over time, suggesting coordination between them.
Throughout the legal process, Masterson had vehemently proclaimed his innocence.