By Karim Hammam
A California appeals court on Tuesday upheld actor Danny Masterson's convictions and 30-years-to-life prison sentence for raping two women at his home in 2003.
Court Ruling
A three-judge panel unanimously found in an 89-page decision that Masterson failed to demonstrate errors warranting a new trial and rejected his claim of ineffective assistance of counsel.
Background
Masterson's first trial ended with a deadlocked jury in 2022; a retrial the following year resulted in convictions on two counts of forcible rape. His attorneys said they would seek review at the California Supreme Court.
Rejected Arguments
The court dismissed arguments that the 10-year statute of limitations barred prosecution, noting the limit does not apply when there are multiple victims. It also rejected claims that the trial court excluded favorable evidence and exhibited bias against Masterson's religion.
Scientology Connection
Masterson, 50, is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology. His accusers, former members, testified that church officials told them the assaults were not rape and that church policies prevented them from going to police. The church vehemently denied having any such policy.
Sentence and Incarceration
Masterson is serving his sentence at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo and will not be eligible for parole for more than 20 years.
Acting Career
Masterson starred in "That '70s Show" from 1998 to 2006 alongside Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Topher Grace. He later reunited with Kutcher on the Netflix comedy "The Ranch" but was written off after the allegations surfaced.
