“That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for sexually abusing two people who belonged to a Scientology church.
Daniel Peter Masterson, 47, known for his role as Steven Hyde on “That ’70s Show,” was found guilty of rape in May in two of the three cases charged against him. The third party did not obtain sufficient evidence to help the jury determine the Hollywood actor’s guilt.
The abuses happened more than 20 years ago. By then, Scientology doctrine prevented anything related to a member of the church from being reported to the police. So it was not until some time later that the complaints became “legal.”
Danny Masterson’s wife was in court, Bijou Phillips, several people from his family. Also actress Leah Remini. The actor is 47 years old, so if he turns 30, he would be released from prison at 77.
The actor did not testify, nor did he appear on the stand. He was serious with a beard and a little thinner than normal. His victims did and, very explicitly, told about each of the abuses. This happened, they said, when he was acting on “That ’70s Show” alongside Mila Kunis and her current husband, Ashton Kuner, among others. They claim that he gave them something to drink that made them “high.”
Chrissie B. took the stand and acknowledged having been a partner of the actor and DJ. He also said he raped and hit her. Also that she went so far as to rape her one night where he appeared “unrecognizable.”
The other victim said that, after the drink that weakened her, the “That ’70s Show” actor abused her with a pillow and a gun. Finally, a third victim (who, like the others, protected her identity) said that she raped her “savagely” after the drink.
Victims shared how speaking out about this abuse had cost them family relationships and facing harassment from the Church of Scientology. Despite everything, they did not regret having spoken.
The jury could not agree in Chrissie B.’s case, but convicted Masterson of assaulting Jen B. and N. Trout. A previous trial in 2022 ended in a mistrial because the jury could not reach a verdict on any count.
Masterson’s legal team issued a statement saying they identified problems in the judicial process and were confident the convictions would be overturned.
The Church of Scientology denied having a policy preventing members from reporting others to the police, but evidence was presented during the trial that showed otherwise. The church now faces civil lawsuits from Masterson’s victims and Leah Remini, who also alleged harassment by the organization.
Keep reading:
Actor Danny Masterson arrested in Los Angeles accused of rape
Source: La Opinion
