Former “That 70s Show” Actor Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life for Rape
Former “That 70s Show” actor Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women that occurred 20 years ago, following his guilty verdict in May 2023.
Former “That 70s Show” actor Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women that occurred 20 years ago. (PHOTO: NBC News)
READ ALSO: SCOTTSDALE’S TROON NORTH GOLF CLUB HIT BY GOLF GEAR THEFT, SUSPECT ARRESTED
Former “That 70s Show” Actor Danny Masterson’s Sentencing: Closure in a Long-Running Rape Case
On September 7, 2023, former “That 70s Show” actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women that occurred 20 years ago. According to a published article in DeseretNews, this verdict comes after Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape during his retrial in May 2023. The sentencing was delivered in a Los Angeles court, where emotional testimonies from the survivors played a pivotal role.
The prosecution presented a case that detailed the rape allegations dating back to 2001 and 2003 when the former “That 70s Show” actor was accused of sexually assaulting three women at his Hollywood Hills home. According to AP News, these allegations first surfaced in March 2017, with three women filing sexual assault charges against Masterson with the Los Angeles Police Department. In December 2017, amidst the #MeToo movement, Netflix fired Masterson from the show “The Ranch.” The former “That 70s Show” actor consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, arguing that he was presumed guilty from the moment he was accused.
READ ALSO: MURDER IN LAS VEGAS TATTOOED SUSPECT HEADS TO DISTRICT COURT AFTER WAIVING HEARING
Scientology’s Role and Legal Closure in the Danny Masterson “That 70s Show” Case
The case took a significant turn when four of Masterson’s accusers sued him, the Church of Scientology, and its leader, David Miscavige, for allegedly stalking them to silence their claims. Scientology’s alleged involvement in the case played a central role, with the survivors claiming the Church dissuaded them from reporting the rapes to law enforcement and subjected them to ethics programs. Leah Remini, a former Scientologist, and vocal critic appeared at the trial to support the survivors.
After a lengthy legal battle, including a mistrial in November 2022, the former “That 70s Show” actor was found guilty in May 2023. The sentencing marks a significant moment for the survivors and advocates of justice, bringing closure to a complex and highly publicized case that intertwined allegations of sexual assault and the involvement of a powerful institution.
