Danny Masterson's Rape Retrial Has Left The Actor Facing A Maximum Sentence of 30 Years To Life In State Prison

Actor Danny Masterson has been found guilty on two of three counts of rape in a retrial held in Los Angeles. Masterson, known for his role in "That '70s Show," was convicted by a jury composed of seven women and five men after seven days of deliberation over two weeks. However, the jury could not reach a verdict on the third count, which accused Masterson of raping a longtime girlfriend. The vote on that count was 8-4 in favor of conviction. Masterson, aged 47, could potentially face up to 30 years in prison as a result of the guilty verdicts.

Upon hearing the verdict, Masterson was taken into custody in handcuffs while his wife, actor and model Bijou Phillips, wept. Masterson's family and friends maintained a somber demeanor throughout the proceedings. One of the women whom Masterson was found guilty of rape in 2003 expressed a mix of emotions, including relief, exhaustion, strength, and sadness, stating her satisfaction that her abuser will face accountability.

During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Masterson forcibly raped three women, including a longtime girlfriend, in his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. They claimed that Masterson drugged the women's drinks to facilitate the sexual assaults. The prosecution also highlighted Masterson's association with the Church of Scientology, suggesting that he used his position within the church, where the three women were also members at the time, to avoid consequences for his actions.

Masterson chose not to testify in his defense, and his lawyers did not call any witnesses. The defense argued that the sexual acts were consensual and attempted to undermine the credibility of the women by pointing out changes and inconsistencies in their stories, suggesting the possibility of coordination between them.

The Church of Scientology played a significant role in both trials. In the second trial, expert testimony on church policy was allowed from a former Scientology official critical of the organization. Tensions between current and former Scientologists were evident in the courtroom, with some of the accusers testifying that they felt intimidated by certain church members present. Actress Leah Remini, a former member and prominent critic of the church, attended the trial and provided support to one of the accusers during closing arguments.

The Church of Scientology's involvement was limited in the trial, but it was explained in relation to the delay in the women reporting the assaults to authorities. The women testified that when they reported the incidents to church officials, they were dismissed and subjected to their own ethics programs while being discouraged from involving law enforcement due to Masterson's standing within the church.

In the retrial involving three women, two of whom knew Masterson through the Church of Scientology, the former "That '70s Show" actor has been found guilty of violently raping two of them in 2003. According to the testimonies, Masterson provided the women with drinks that caused them to feel disoriented or lose consciousness, after which he sexually assaulted them. The third victim, who was Masterson's girlfriend at the time, woke up to find him raping her and had to physically resist him.

The issue of drugs played a significant role in the retrial. The prosecution was allowed to argue the drugging was a major factor, although Masterson was not charged with drug offenses, and no toxicology evidence supported the claim. Masterson's attorney requested a mistrial due to the inclusion of this issue, but the motion was denied. This issue is likely to be a significant factor in any potential appeal.

The charges against Masterson date back to his time on "That '70s Show" and involve incidents between 2001 and 2003. Masterson could face up to 30 years to life in prison for the counts he was found guilty of. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 4th.

Considered a potential flight risk, Masterson was immediately remanded into custody following the verdict and will remain there until the next hearing. Jane Doe 2 expressed a range of emotions, acknowledging her relief but also expressing disappointment that Masterson evaded accountability for some of his actions. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office praised the bravery of the women who came forward and shared their experiences and stated their respect for the jury's decision, despite not convicting Masterson on all counts.

The retrial will continue with deliberations for the third count. Masterson is facing charges of raping three women at his Hollywood Hills residence between 2001 and 2003.