The entertainment world was rocked on Thursday as “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women two decades ago. This article delves into the details of the case, the harrowing testimonies of the victims, and the implications of this significant #MeToo era conviction.
Danny Masterson and his wife, Bijou Phillips, arrive for closing arguments in his second rape trial on May 16, 2023.
The Sentencing and Victim Impact Statements
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence after hearing powerful victim impact statements. The two women, whose lives were irrevocably altered by Masterson’s actions, bravely confronted their abuser in court, detailing the trauma they endured and the ongoing suffering caused by the memories. One victim poignantly stated, “When you raped me, you stole from me. That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.” She further condemned Masterson as “pathetic, disturbed, and completely violent.” The second victim expressed her relief that he would be behind bars, ensuring the safety of other women. She lamented not reporting him sooner to the police. Masterson remained impassive throughout their testimonies.
The Road to Conviction: A Timeline of the Legal Proceedings
The journey to justice was long and arduous. An initial trial in December 2022 ended in a mistrial, with the jury unable to reach a verdict on the three counts of rape. Undeterred, prosecutors retried Masterson earlier this year. In May 2023, after seven days of deliberation, a jury found Masterson guilty on two counts of rape. The attacks occurred in 2003 at Masterson’s Hollywood home during the peak of his television career. The jury could not reach a verdict on the third count, which involved the alleged rape of Masterson’s longtime girlfriend, although they voted 8-4 in favor of conviction. Judge Olmedo rejected a defense motion for a new trial before delivering the sentence.
The Role of Scientology and the Defense’s Strategy
The case was further complicated by allegations of Masterson using his position within the Church of Scientology, of which all three women were also members at the time, to evade accountability. The victims testified that reporting Masterson to church officials resulted in being subjected to ethics programs themselves and being discouraged from involving law enforcement. The Church of Scientology denied these claims, stating it has no policy preventing members from reporting criminal conduct. The defense, without calling any witnesses, argued that the acts were consensual, attempting to discredit the victims’ testimonies by highlighting inconsistencies over time.
Chrissie Bixler testifies in the rape trial of Danny Masterson on October 25, 2022.
The Allegations of Drugging and the Potential for Appeal
A key element of the prosecution’s case in the second trial was the allegation that Masterson drugged the women before assaulting them. While this was not allowed in the first trial, the judge permitted prosecutors and accusers to make this claim in the retrial, although no toxicology evidence was presented. The defense plans to appeal the conviction, potentially citing this as a factor.
A #MeToo Victory and the Impact on Masterson’s Career
Masterson’s sentencing marks a significant victory for the #MeToo movement, holding a powerful figure accountable for sexual assault. This conviction, along with the conviction of Harvey Weinstein, represents a major success for Los Angeles prosecutors. Masterson’s career, which spanned from “That ’70s Show” to the Netflix series “The Ranch,” has been effectively terminated by these revelations and the subsequent legal proceedings. He was written off “The Ranch” in 2017 after the LAPD investigation became public.
The Judge’s Words and the Weight of the Sentence
Before handing down the sentence, Judge Olmedo addressed Masterson directly, acknowledging his claims of innocence but emphasizing that “you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice and choice.” She stressed the need for him to confront his actions and their consequences. The judge imposed the maximum sentence of 30 years to life, rejecting the defense’s request for a 15-year sentence.
Conclusion: Justice Served, but Scars Remain
The sentencing of Danny Masterson brings a measure of closure to the victims and sends a powerful message about accountability for sexual assault. While the legal proceedings have concluded, the emotional scars of these crimes will undoubtedly endure. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of believing survivors, pursuing justice relentlessly, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of their status or influence.
