Former “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson, aged 47, faces sentencing following his conviction on two counts of forcible rape. The verdict came in May after a retrial involving three women who accused him of sexual assault. While the third count against Jane Doe No. 3 resulted in a mistrial and was subsequently dismissed, Masterson now awaits his sentencing, which is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. PT Thursday. This article delves into the details of the case, the legal proceedings, and the broader implications it holds.
The Legal Battle:
The legal battle that has unfolded around Danny Masterson centers on accusations of rape made by three different women, including a former girlfriend. The alleged assaults occurred between 2001 and 2003, casting a shadow over Masterson’s career and personal life.
In the first trial, which concluded in November 2022, the jury was unable to reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial. However, the retrial that followed led to Masterson’s conviction on two counts of forcible rape. The verdict marked a significant moment in a case that has garnered widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the involvement of the Church of Scientology, to which both Masterson and the alleged victims belonged.
The Church of Scientology and Allegations of Discouraging Reporting:
All three of the women involved in the case were members of the Church of Scientology, as is Danny Masterson. They revealed that they initially hesitated to report the alleged assaults to law enforcement, citing teachings within the church that discouraged such actions. Over time, these women distanced themselves from the Church of Scientology.
One of the accusers claimed that in 2003, Masterson had forcibly raped her while using a pillow to stifle her cries. Another accuser, identified as Jane Doe No. 3, who was in a relationship with Masterson at the time, alleged that he raped her in 2001 while she was asleep. Both Jane Doe No. 2 and Jane Doe No. 3 are also parties to a related civil case against Masterson and the Church of Scientology.
The Defense’s Counterarguments:
Throughout the legal proceedings, Danny Masterson consistently maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all three counts of felony rape. His defense attorney, Philip Cohen, mounted a robust defense, suggesting that the accusers may have altered or embellished their accounts to bolster their case. Cohen also raised the possibility that their motivations may have been driven by “hatred, revenge, or money.”
Additionally, the defense argued that prosecutors had overly emphasized the alleged drugging of the victims in their closing arguments, a point of contention that led to a request for a mistrial. However, the request was denied by Judge Charlaine Olmedo, who deemed it relevant to the victims’ ability to perceive the events during the alleged incidents.
Masterson’s Arrest and the Impact on His Career:
Danny Masterson’s arrest in 2020 marked a turning point in his career and personal life. At the time of the alleged rapes, “That ’70s Show,” in which he had a prominent role, was still on the air. The accusations against him not only brought his career to a halt but also sparked a wider conversation about accountability in the entertainment industry.
The Verdict and Upcoming Sentencing:
In May, a Los Angeles jury delivered a verdict of guilty on two counts of forcible rape against Masterson. However, the third count, involving Jane Doe No. 3, resulted in a mistrial and was subsequently dismissed by prosecutors, who decided not to retry Masterson on that particular charge.
The upcoming sentencing hearing carries significant weight, as it will determine the consequences Masterson will face for the crimes of which he has been convicted. The potential penalties include a substantial prison sentence, with the actor facing up to 30 years to life behind bars.
The Victims’ Impact Statements:
Judge Charlaine Olmedo has allowed the three Jane Does involved in the case to deliver victim impact statements during the sentencing hearing. This presents an opportunity for the survivors to share their experiences, the impact of the assaults on their lives, and their perspectives on the case’s outcome.
The Danny Masterson case has been a highly visible and emotionally charged legal saga, resonating with the broader issues of justice, accountability, and the treatment of survivors of sexual assault. As the actor awaits his sentencing, the world watches closely, cognizant of the broader implications this case holds for the #MeToo movement and the pursuit of justice in high-profile cases.
The outcome of this sentencing will reverberate far beyond the courtroom, influencing conversations about the responsibility of institutions, such as the Church of Scientology, and the need for a fair and just legal system that prioritizes the rights and voices of survivors. Danny Masterson’s legal journey serves as a reminder that no one, regardless of their status or association, is above the law, and justice must prevail for all.