Danny Masterson, Star of “That ’70s Show”, Found Guilty of Rape Charges
The long-awaited verdict in the case of actor Danny Masterson, who was accused of raping three women in his home between 2001 and 2003, has finally been announced. On June 1, 2023, a jury found Masterson guilty on two of the three counts of rape, and he faces a possible sentence of 30 years to life in prison. He was also ordered to be held without bail until his sentencing date, which has not been set yet.
This case has been one of the most controversial and complex trials involving sexual assault allegations against a famous Hollywood figure. Masterson, who is best known for his role as Steven Hyde on the hit sitcom “That ’70s Show”, has maintained his innocence throughout the process and claimed that the encounters were consensual. His defense team tried to cast doubt on the credibility and motives of the accusers, who were all members of the Church of Scientology at the time of the alleged crimes, as was Masterson.
The prosecution, on the other hand, argued that Masterson used his status and influence in the church to silence and intimidate the women and prevent them from reporting him to the authorities. They also presented evidence that Masterson drugged and forcibly raped the women, who suffered physical and emotional trauma as a result. The judge allowed expert testimony from a former Scientology official who explained the church’s policies and practices regarding sexual abuse and reporting.
The case also drew attention from other celebrities, some of whom supported Masterson and some of whom supported his accusers. Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, was seen crying in court when he was taken into custody after the verdict. His former co-stars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote letters to the judge asking for leniency for Masterson. On the other hand, Leah Remini, another former Scientologist who has become an outspoken opponent of the church, attended the trial and comforted the women before and after they testified.
This case is one of several high-profile trials involving sexual assault allegations against famous men in Hollywood, such as Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and Kevin Spacey. It raises questions about the power dynamics, accountability, and justice in the entertainment industry and society at large.
At Rideout Law Group, we understand how difficult and sensitive these cases can be for both the victims and the accused. We have extensive experience in handling criminal defense and family law cases in Arizona, and we are committed to providing our clients with aggressive representation and compassionate guidance. If you or someone you know is facing charges or allegations of sexual assault or any other crime, contact us today for a free consultation. We will fight for your rights and reputation.