If you are a fan of the 70s show, you will be familiar with the iconic actor Danny Masterson. Danny Masterson is an actor who played Steven Hyde in the sitcom hit movie The 70s Show. The actor was accused of rape in 2017.
In this article, you will learn more about Danny Masterson’s rape case, verdict, and matters arising. Please read on patiently.
Danny Masterson’s rape case
Four women first accused the 70s Show actor of rape. The women filed sexual assault allegations against him at the Los Angeles Police Department. The rapes happened in the early 2000s, after Masterson had achieved frame.
Prosecutors said the rapes took place at Masterson’s house. Three alleged victims were members of the same church as Danny, Scientologists. The Church of Scientology has become a key theme in the case, as the accusers claimed that the church discouraged them from reporting the rapes to the police, but the church denied the allegations against them. The church stated that it demands that its members abide by the law.
In June 2020, Masterson was arrested after an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department went on for three years. He was then released on bail and remained free until he was convicted. On Wednesday, he was taken into custody and led out of court in handcuffs.
Danny Masterson’s verdict
47-year-old Danny Masterson was convicted after a three-week retrial that featured testimony from the three accusers, who said they were drugged and sexually assaulted by the actor. Masterson denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. He faces a possible sentence of up to 30 years to life in prison.
The lawyers of Masterson said they would appeal the verdict and maintain his innocence. They argued that the stories were contradictory, under the influence of anti-scientology activists, and driven by financial gain. They also questioned the lack of physical evidence or witnesses to corroborate the allegations.
Conclusion
Masterson rose to fame with “That ’70s Show” from 1998 to 2006. He also played roles in other TV shows and movies, such as “The Ranch,” “Men at Work,” and “Yes Man”. Dannny Masterson was dismissed from “The Ranch” in 2017 after the rape allegations.
He is likely to face a 30-year sentence if he is proven guilty.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Danny Masterson verdict:
What is Danny Masterson convicted of?
Danny Masterson received a conviction for two counts of forced rape or fear. The jury deadlocked on a third rape charge.
What were the details of the allegations against Masterson?
The three women who testified against Masterson said he raped them at his Hollywood Hills home after playing them with alcohol in the early aughts. One woman said that Masterson drugged her before raping her.
What was Masterson’s defense?
Masterson’s defense team argued that the women lied and that the sex was consensual. They also accused the Church of Scientology of pressuring the women to come forward with allegations against Masterson.
What was the role of the Church of Scientology in the trial?
The Church of Scientology played a central role in the trial. The defense team accused the church of pressuring the women to come forward with allegations against Masterson and trying to destroy his career.
What sentence did Masterson receive?
Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
What is Masterson’s next move?
Masterson’s lawyers have said that they plan to appeal the verdict.
What does the Masterson verdict mean for victims of sexual assault?
The Masterson verdict is a victory for victims of sexual assault. It shows that even influential people can be held accountable for their actions.