‘That 70’s Show’ actor Danny Masterson was found guilty of two rape counts in Los Angeles on May 31, Wednesday. He was convicted of raping two women at his Hollywood Hills home.
The court found Danny guilty of raping two women in 2003. Masterson was sent to jail and could get 30 years to life in prison. His next hearing will happen on August 4.
According to Greg Risling, a Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson, the jury deadlocked on another rape charge that Danny Masterson had raped a third woman between 2001 and 2003. A jury comprising 12 members reached the verdict after deliberating for seven days.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement on Wednesday, ”We want to express our gratitude to the three women who came forward and bravely shared their experiences. Their courage and strength have been an inspiration for all of us.”
Gascon added, ”While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision. The verdicts handed down by the jury in this case were undoubtedly a difficult one to reach and we thank the jurors for their service.”
Danny, 47, played the role of a rebel adolescent in his break-out role in a television comedy series, ‘That 70’s Show’ from 1998-2006.
According to City News Service, defense attorney, Phillip Cohen questioned the credibility of the alleged victims. He said that their stories had been tweaked over the years.
Masterson met the women through the Church of Scientology. The accusors said that the organization discouraged them from contacting law enforcement after getting victimized. This is the reason the case drew attention.
While the Church association rejected the claim mentioning, The Church has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct by anyone, Scientologists or not, to law enforcement.”
After the verdict, Los Angeles County District Attorney Gascon said, ”We recognize that preventing sexual assault is critical and we will continue to educate the public on the importance of consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. We believe that by working together, we can create a safer and more just society for all.”
