Former ‘That ’70s Show’ Star Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years for Rape

Danny Masterson has been convicted of rape and was sentenced to 30 year’s imprisonment.

Bijou Phillips was present in the courtroom when her husband was sentenced. In court sketches, Masterson is shown kissing Phillips as he’s led away.

In May, the actor was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape. After eight days of deliberation, the jury could not reach a decision on the third charge.

Masterson was only eligible for a maximum of 30 years. Masterson’s lawyers noted that the 47-year-old plans to appeal because of the “substantial errors” in the trial.

Shawn Holley’s attorney, Shawn Holley told reporters outside of the courthouse, in a video shared by Deadline, that they were “very disappointed” with the sentence handed down. However, a team consisting of some of the best appellate lawyers from across the country has been reviewing the transcripts since several months ago. They will be addressing a number of important evidentiary and Constitutional issues in their briefs before the state and federal courts.

She continued, “The errors that occurred in this case were substantial and led to verdicts that unfortunately did not support the evidence.” Although we respect the jury, and our justice system, they can make mistakes. That’s what happened in this case. “Mr. Masterson didn’t commit the crimes for which he was convicted, and we and the appellate attorneys, who are among the best and brightest in this country, are confident these convictions will overturned.”

Alison Anderson is a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, LLP and the attorney for Jane Does 2 and 3. She stated that “Niesha and Chrissie showed tremendous courage and strength by coming forward and directly participating in two criminal trials.

These courageous women, despite persistent harassment, obstruction, and intimidation helped bring a vicious sexual predator to justice today. And they’re not stopping there. They want to tell their full story soon about how Scientology, and those who supported it, tried to prevent them from coming out.

Before imposing Masterson’s punishment, the judge listened to impact statements from both victims.

Masterson was found guilty of raping a woman in 2003. She said, “When you raped me, you stole from me” “Raping is stealing the spirit.”

She said, “You’re pathetic, disturbed, and violent.” “The world would be better off if you were in prison.”

The other woman Masterson was found guilty of raping said he “has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused.” She told the judge, “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.”

Masterson listened to the women speak without showing any reaction.

After receiving the initial guilty verdict, the Church of Scientology claimed that the use of religion during Masterson’s case violated his First Amendment rights.

“The Church does not have a policy that prohibits or discourages members from reporting criminal behavior of anyone — Scientologists and non-Scientologists — to law enforcement,” stated. “On the contrary, Church policy requires Scientologists to abide by the laws of the country. Allegations to the contrary have been proven FALSE. The scandalous claims that the Church harassed accusers are not supported by a shred of evidence. “Every single instance of supposed Church harassment has been proven to be FALSE.”

The actor from “That ’70s Show”, was put on trial again in less than 6 months after the first mistrial.

Masterson faced a maximum of 45 years in jail if he were found guilty of three counts rape or force by fear for alleged sexual assaults that occurred between 2001-2003 at his Hollywood Hills residence.

Phillips’ wife wept and gasped as the guilty verdict at his trial in May was read. The rest of the family and friends were stone-faced.

Jurors were told by prosecutors that Masterson injected drugs into the drinks of women so that he could rape them. He was accused of using his position in the church, where the three women at the time were members, to avoid any consequences.

The accusers claimed they were reluctant to press charges because of the strict church protocol against public involvement in member issues.

In a statement released by Boies Schiller Flexner, one of the accusers who Masterson was found guilty of rape in his home in 2003 said, “I feel a variety of emotions – relief, exhaustion, and strength. I also feel sadness.”

Another Jane Doe stated, “I am grateful for the jury’s service and, while I hope Danny Masterson faces some criminal punishment, it is devastating that he escaped criminal accountability for his heinous behavior against me.”

“Despite this disappointing outcome, I am determined to obtain justice, even in civil court where, with my co-plaintiffs, I will shed light on how Scientology, and other conspirators, enabled and tried to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior.”

Masterson’s lawyers argued that these acts were consented to and tried to discredit women’s accounts by highlighting the changes and inconsistencies they saw over time. They said this showed signs of coordination.

Masterson, who was arrested on June 20, 2020, had been released from jail after posting a bond of $3.3 million. He has pleaded innocent to the charges.