Former “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson has been found guilty of two counts of forcible rape in a Los Angeles retrial that involved the controversial Church of Scientology. The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, deliberated for seven days over two weeks before reaching the verdict. However, they could not reach a unanimous decision on the third rape charge, resulting in an 8-4 deadlock in favor of conviction. Masterson, led from the courtroom in handcuffs, now faces a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
The accusations against Masterson date back to incidents that allegedly occurred between 2001 and 2003, where three women, including a former girlfriend, accused him of rape at his Hollywood Hills home. The jury convicted him of raping two women in 2003 but could not reach a verdict on the alleged assault from November 2001. Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, was visibly emotional as he was taken into custody, while other family members and friends remained stoic.
One of the victims, identified as Jane Doe 2, expressed a mixture of emotions upon Masterson’s conviction, emphasizing relief that he would face accountability for his criminal behavior. The accusers have also filed a civil lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology, accusing them of harassment and stalking.
The trial brought attention to the role of the Church of Scientology, as all three victims were members at the time of the assaults. The prosecution argued that Masterson used his status within the church to avoid consequences for decades. They claimed that when the women reported the incidents to church officials, they were discouraged from going to law enforcement, told they were not raped, and subjected to their own ethics programs.
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo allowed expert testimony on church policy from a former Scientology official turned prominent opponent, highlighting the church’s influence throughout the proceedings. Testimony revealed tensions between current and former Scientologists, with accusers reporting feeling intimidated by certain members present in the courtroom.
The defense, in contrast, portrayed the acts as consensual and attempted to discredit the victims’ stories by pointing out changes and inconsistencies over time. Defense attorney Philip Cohen urged jurors to consider disbelieving any witness who deliberately lied in the case. However, the prosecution argued that the victims’ accounts were valid and that Masterson drugged the women’s drinks to gain control, emphasizing his repeated actions and their lack of ability to consent.
While the verdict marks a significant moment for the victims and Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón expressed gratitude for their courage, he acknowledged disappointment that the jury did not convict on all counts. Masterson’s first trial in November resulted in a hung jury, with the majority favoring acquittal on all charges.
The involvement of the Church of Scientology was a common thread in both trials. The second trial allowed explicit arguments regarding the alleged drugging of the victims, while the first trial did not address this directly. Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1953, has a significant presence in Hollywood, and the trial highlighted the church’s influence and alleged efforts to dissuade members from involving secular authorities.
As Masterson awaits his sentencing hearing scheduled for August 4, the verdict serves as a significant moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the former “That ’70s Show” star. The conviction on two counts of forcible rape has raised questions about accountability, Hollywood’s response, and the role of the Church of Scientology in the case.
Masterson, accused of raping three women between 2001 and 2003, was found guilty by the jury on two counts while a deadlock was reached on the third charge. The potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison looms over the 45-year-old actor as he remains in custody following the reading of the verdict.
The trial shed light on the alleged influence of the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a prominent member. The accusers, who were also members of the church at the time of the incidents, testified that they were discouraged from reporting the crimes to the authorities and faced retaliation within the organization.
One of the victims expressed mixed emotions of relief, exhaustion, strength, and sadness upon hearing the guilty verdict. She also mentioned an ongoing civil case against Masterson and the Church of Scientology, highlighting their alleged harassment and stalking.
The case has become a catalyst for discussions on the teachings of Scientology and the treatment of sexual assault victims within the organization. Prosecutors argued that Masterson used his status as a celebrity and member of the church to prey on his victims, while the defense sought to discredit the victims’ testimonies and questioned the relevance of Scientology in the trial.
The outcome of Masterson’s first trial, which ended in a hung jury, further heightened public interest in this high-profile case. The retrial allowed the prosecution to assert that the victims were drugged by Masterson, a claim that was not explicitly made in the initial proceedings.
As the legal proceedings continue, the verdict serves as a significant moment that may impact future conversations surrounding sexual assault, celebrity accountability, and the practices of the Church of Scientology. The sentencing hearing scheduled for August 4 will further determine the consequences Masterson will face for his actions.
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