A Los Angeles judge has sentenced That 70’s show actor Danny Masterson to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women about 20 years ago, saying the now 47-year-old’s actions “took away another person’s voice, and choice”.
A prominent scientologist, Masterson has been in custody since May, with prosecutors arguing he used his role in the Church of Scientology to avoid accountability for the attacks.
Masterson met the two women through the Church, and his accusers said the organisation discouraged them from contacting law enforcement. Both attacks took place in Masterson’s Hollywood-area home, where the women said he drugged and raped them between 2001 and 2003–when he was at the height of his fame on the That ‘70s Show sitcom.
There was a third allegation that Masterson raped a longtime girlfriend but the jury could not reach a verdict on this.
Each of the women Masterson was found guilty of raping gave testimony in court on the trauma they experienced, with one of them saying: “When you raped me, you stole from me”.
“That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
“You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” said the first woman. “The world is better off with you in prison.”
With Masterson’s wife, actor Bijou Phillips present and tearful at times, it’s been reported he watched without visible reaction as the two women spoke.
The second woman Masterson’s been found guilty of raping told the judge that she wished she’d reported him to the police sooner and that he “has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused”.
“I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with,” she said. “I am so sorry, and I’m so upset.”
The second woman was supported by former Scientologist and vocal critic of the organisation, King of Queens actor Leah Remini, who said she’s “relieved that this dangerous rapist will be off the streets.”
Masterson waived his right to speak before he was sentenced and had no visible reaction after the judge’s decision.
“Mr Masterson, I know that you’re sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimised by a justice system that has failed you,” Superior Court Judge Charlaine F Olmedo told Masterson before handing down the sentence.
“But Mr Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences.”
Masterson’s sentence was the maximum allowed by law and means he’ll be eligible for parole after serving 25-and-a-half years, but could be held in prison for life.
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