Danny Masterson Rape Retrial Update: Both Sides Rest Their Case
We had a short day here at the #DannyMastersonRetrial as BOTH the prosecution and defense rested their cases after calling no more witnesses. Judge Olmedo then took up again the issue of discovery material being leaked to #Scientology. Lots of details in our report!
- Tony Ortega (@TonyOrtega94) May 12, 2023
• After three weeks, the retrial of Danny Masterson is almost done with both sides resting their cases, and the defense calling no witnesses.
• The charges for the retrial were the same, however, this time Judge Olmedo allowed prosecutors to tell jurors directly that Masterson had drugged his three accusers.
• Judge Olmedo was firm that unlike the first trial, she wasn't going to allow sidebars and gratuitous objections to waste time and hold as a distraction. She also snapped at the defense for using the Jane Does' first names and his repeated mentioning of private and protected information of the Jane Does in front of the jury. She also got cross with the defense for telling her to hold on.
• Like in the first trial, Masterson chose not to testify on his own behalf.
• The prosecution called Kathleen J, another alleged victim of Masterson’s. She testified Masterson raped her in 2000 at the wrap party of Dracula 2000 after she was given a drink by him. The defense tried to say she colluded with Leah Remini since Kathleen J worked on Jennifer Lopez's film Angel Eyes.
• Turns out Scientology got a hold of criminal documents including photos, text messages, and police reports. The defense SWEARS they didn't give it to the CoS but hey. Judge Olmedo issued 'an order to show cause', but said this would have to wait until after the trial. The Jane Does are rightfully concerned about their safety.
• A man acknowledged as the husband of one of the alleged victims was scolded by the judge for glaring and intensely staring at Masterson. Soon after, the man left.
• Court is over until Tuesday when the lawyers present their closing arguments and the jury begins to deliberate.
• Masterson must be convicted on at least two of the three charged cases, in order to clear a California statute-of-limitations bar. He faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
• You can read the full summaries from the retrial at Tony Ortega's substack.
Source, substack