Former That '70s Show star Danny Masterson has been convicted on two counts of forcible rape, while a jury couldn't reach a verdict on a third rape charge.
Masterson faces a sentence of up to 30 years to life in prison for the two charges. The accusations against him involve the rape of three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. This was a retrial following Masterson's first hearing in November, which ended with the jury unable to reach a verdict.
During the retrial, the prosecution focused on allegations that Masterson drugged the plaintiffs. The defence countered that there was no evidence to support the drugging claim.
The case has shed light on Scientology teachings, as Masterson is a lifetime member, and all three victims were members at the time. They claimed the church discouraged them from reporting Masterson to the police. The prosecution argued that Masterson took advantage of his position within the church to commit the assaults. The victims have also sued Masterson and the Church of Scientology for harassment and stalking.
"I am experiencing a complex array of emotions — relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness — knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behaviour," said one of the victims in a statement. "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."
Masterson was taken into custody after the verdict was read, and a sentencing hearing was scheduled for August 4.
Masterson faces a sentence of up to 30 years to life in prison for the two charges. The accusations against him involve the rape of three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. This was a retrial following Masterson's first hearing in November, which ended with the jury unable to reach a verdict.
During the retrial, the prosecution focused on allegations that Masterson drugged the plaintiffs. The defence countered that there was no evidence to support the drugging claim.
The case has shed light on Scientology teachings, as Masterson is a lifetime member, and all three victims were members at the time. They claimed the church discouraged them from reporting Masterson to the police. The prosecution argued that Masterson took advantage of his position within the church to commit the assaults. The victims have also sued Masterson and the Church of Scientology for harassment and stalking.
"I am experiencing a complex array of emotions — relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness — knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behaviour," said one of the victims in a statement. "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."
Masterson was taken into custody after the verdict was read, and a sentencing hearing was scheduled for August 4.
