Danny Masterson Sentenced to 30 Years to Life in Prison
In a shocking turn of events, actor Danny Masterson, best known for his role as Steven Hyde in the sitcom That '70s Show, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison on Thursday for raping three women in the early 2000s. The sentence was handed down by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter, who rejected Masterson's request for a new trial and denied him bail pending appeal.
Masterson, 45, was convicted in June of three counts of forcible rape, involving three women who were all members of the Church of Scientology at the time of the assaults. The victims, identified only as Christina B., Nicole B., and Jane Doe, testified that Masterson raped them at his Hollywood Hills home between {2001} and {2003}, sometimes using a gun or a knife to threaten them. They also said that they were pressured by the Church of Scientology to remain silent and not report the crimes to the police.
Masterson, who is also a Scientologist, maintained his innocence throughout the trial and claimed that he had consensual sex with the women. His defense team argued that the prosecution was motivated by anti-Scientology bias and that the evidence was insufficient and unreliable. They also tried to discredit the victims by questioning their memories and motives.
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However, the jury of seven men and five women deliberated for only four hours before finding Masterson guilty on all counts. The verdict was hailed as a victory for the #MeToo movement and a blow to the Church of Scientology, which has been accused of covering up sexual abuse and harassment within its ranks.
In a statement, Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller said that he was "extremely proud" of the victims for their "courage and resilience" in coming forward and testifying against Masterson. He also thanked the jury for their "careful attention" and "swift justice".
The victims also spoke at the sentencing hearing, telling Masterson how his actions had traumatized them and ruined their lives. Christina B. said that she suffered from nightmares, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts after being raped by Masterson. Nicole B. said that she felt "dirty, disgusting, and violated" by Masterson's attack. Jane Doe said that she lost her faith, her friends, and her family because of Masterson's abuse.
Masterson showed no emotion as he listened to the victims' statements. He also declined to make a statement of his own before being sentenced. His lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, said that he plans to appeal the conviction and hopes that Masterson will be exonerated.
Masterson's sentence means that he will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years in prison. However, he will have to register as a sex offender for life and undergo sex offender counseling. He also faces a civil lawsuit filed by the victims, who are seeking damages for emotional distress.