A verdict has been reached in the rape retrial involving Danny Masterson. A jury at Los Angeles Superior Court determined that Masterson, 47, is guilty of two counts of rape, on May 31, Wednesday, as per reports.
After jurors deliberated for more than seven days, a third count of rape resulted in a hung jury with 8-4 jurors voting in favor of conviction.
‘That 70s Show’ actor did not register much of a reaction to the verdict, while his family members were too emotional, according to the reports. While Danny’s family members were fighting back tears, his wife Bijou Phillips started crying when the verdict was announced.
L.A. reporter Meghann Cuniff reported Judge Charlaine Olmedo as saying, ”Can you maintain your composure? I know it’s hard. But if not I need to step outside.”
Masterson was handcuffed and immediately sent to jail, where he will be remanded until the next hearing on August 4. The actor is now facing a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in state prison.
Masterson was charged with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003 in 2020. Since his arrest, Masterson has been out of jail on a $3.3 million bail. In January 2021, he pleaded not guilty to all three charges. At that time, Masterson’s attorney Mesereau issued a statement that said, ”Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we are confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.”
Merserue further stated, ”Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out. The people who know Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”
In March 2017, Masterson was accused of sexual assault in the early 2000s by multiple women. As a result, he was written off from The Ranch, his Netflix comedy with That ‘70s Show costar Ashton Kutcher. Also, United Talent Agency also cut ties with the actor. Kutcher, 45 shared his honest thoughts in January on the allegations against Masterson.
Kutcher stated, ”I’m not the judge. I’m not on the jury. I’m not the DA. I’m not the victim. And I’m not the accused. And so, in that case, I don’t have a space to comment. I just don’t know.” He said that he wanted Masterson to be found innocent of the charges brought against him if he was not responsible for the assaults.
