Danny Masterson Found Guilty on Two Counts
Danny Masterson, the former star of “That ’70s Show,” was convicted Wednesday on two counts of forcible rape. He faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison on the two charges.https://t.co/QloLGffvFA pic.twitter.com/SjHhfDhCPr
- Variety (@Variety) May 31, 2023
Danny Masterson, the former star of “That ’70s Show,” was convicted Wednesday on two counts of forcible rape. The jury could not reach a verdict on a third rape charge, deadlocking with a vote of 8-4 in favor of conviction.
Masterson faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison on the two charges. Shortly after the clerk read the guilty verdicts, there was an audible gasp from Masterson’s family, who were seated in the audience.
Due to the severity of his crimes and being seen as a flight risk, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ordered Masterson into custody after the verdicts were read, rejecting a defense request that he remain free on electronic monitoring pending his sentencing. Masterson’s wife Bijou, who mocked the victims on Instagram, wailed and sobbed as Masterson was handcuffed.
One of the Jane Doe accusers said in a statement that she is “experiencing a complex array of emotions - relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness - knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behavior,” she said. “I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but take great solace in the fact that he, the Church of Scientology, and others, will have to fully account for their abhorrent actions in civil court.”
The third woman, Christina B (she has publicly identified herself), gave the following statement after the jury deadlocked on charges pertaining to her sexual assault: “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.” (bullybreed thank you for the quotes)
A court date was set for Aug. 4.
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