The California appeals court has determined that actor Danny Masterson's convictions and lengthy prison sentence for raping two women are upheld. The court's unanimous decision, delivered on Tuesday, concluded that Masterson presented insufficient evidence to justify a new trial. The ruling came in an extensive 89-page document, which detailed the judges' reasoning.
Masterson's legal troubles first came to light with a previous trial in 2022 that ended in a deadlock. However, during a retrial in 2023, he was found guilty of raping two women in 2003. Following his conviction, a judge sentenced the actor to a prison term of 30 years to life, indicating the severity of his offenses.
In response to the latest ruling, Masterson's attorneys announced plans to appeal to the California Supreme Court. They argued various points, including the claim that the lower court made errors influencing the trial's outcome, and insisted that Masterson received ineffective legal representation.
Among the specific claims rejected by the appeals court was the assertion that the charges against Masterson fell outside the legal 10-year limitation for forcible rape cases. The court clarified that this statute does not apply when multiple victims are involved, thereby maintaining the validity of the charges.
Additionally, Masterson and his defense argued that evidence supporting their case was wrongly excluded and that the trial court showed bias against his religious beliefs. Masterson is known to be a prominent member of the Church of Scientology, and his accusers are former members who stated that the church's policies dissuaded them from reporting the assaults to law enforcement.
The Church of Scientology has firmly denied any such practices, refuting the claims made by the accusers. Despite their allegations, the church maintains that it does not prevent members from reporting crimes. Masterson, who is now 50 years old, is currently incarcerated at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo. He will remain incarcerated without the possibility of parole for over two decades.
Danny Masterson rose to fame in the late 1990s for his role in the popular television series "That '70s Show," alongside co-stars such as Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. Following the emergence of the rape allegations, Masterson was written out of the Netflix series "The Ranch," which he had resumed working on in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the California appeals court's ruling on Danny Masterson's case?
The California appeals court upheld Danny Masterson's convictions and lengthy prison sentence, finding no errors in the previous trial that would warrant a new one.
How long is Danny Masterson sentenced to prison?
Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
What are the main allegations against Danny Masterson?
Danny Masterson was convicted of raping two women in 2003 at his home.
Reporting by Yangs for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.