Former That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson was convicted on two counts of forcible rape. He’s now facing a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
As shared by Variety, “the jury could not reach a verdict on a third rape charge, deadlocking with a vote of 8-4 in favor of conviction.” It’s been stated that “there was an audible gasp from Masterson’s family,” who were present in the audience, after the clerk read the guilty verdicts.
The accusations against Danny Masterson revolved around three women that he was said to have raped between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills home. As mentioned, the jury convicted him of raping two of the women in 2003, but they did not reach a verdict regarding a November 2001 allegation involving his former girlfriend.
One of the victims, referred to in court as Jane Doe 2, issued the following statement after the verdict was read:
“I am experiencing a complex array of emotions – relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness – knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behavior,” she said. “I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but take great solace in the fact that he, the Church of Scientology, and others, will have to fully account for their abhorrent actions in civil court.”
As for Jane Doe 3, Masterson’s former girlfriend, she said she was “devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.” Furthermore, she wants to seek justice in civil court with the other two women to “shine a light on how Scientology and other conspirators enabled and sought to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior.”
The three women are said to have been members of the Church of Scientology at the time and that this is how Masterson was able to take control of them. Furthermore, they claim that the church tried to keep them from reporting Masterson to the proper authorities.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates on this situation as we have them.