Actor Danny Masterson, best known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” has been found guilty on two of the three counts of rape in a retrial. The jury was hung on the third count. The verdict marks a significant development in the high-profile case, which has drawn attention to issues of sexual assault in the lives of celebrity members.
Guilty Verdict and Sentencing
The Los Angeles jury reached its decision after a lengthy trial process that began on April 24. Masterson, 47, had pleaded not guilty to raping three women at his home in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. He now faces a possible sentence of up to 30 years to life in state prison. Masterson was taken into custody following the verdict.
District Attorney Gascon expressed gratitude to the three women who came forward and bravely shared their experiences. “Their courage and strength have been an inspiration to us all,” Gascon said. “While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision.”
Previous Mistrial and Retrial
This is the second trial in the case against Masterson. His first trial, which started in October 2022, was declared a mistrial in November after jurors remained deadlocked. The retrial resulted in the guilty verdict on two counts, with the jury unable to reach a unanimous decision on the third count.
Career and Allegations
Masterson is best known for his role as Steven Hyde on “That ’70s Show,” which aired for eight seasons on Fox from 1998 to 2006. The show also starred Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, and Wilmer Valderrama. Kutcher and Masterson later starred together in Netflix’s “The Ranch” beginning in 2016.
However, amid the rape allegations, Netflix and the producers wrote Masterson off the show in 2017.
The allegations against Masterson first came to light in March 2017 when journalist and former Village Voice editor Tony Ortega wrote on his site, “The Underground Bunker,” that Masterson was being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Impact on Sexual Assault Awareness
The case against Masterson has drawn attention to the broader issue of sexual assault and the challenges that victims face in coming forward with their stories. The bravery of the three women who testified in the trial has been widely praised, with supporters expressing hope that the verdict will send a strong message about the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Future Legal Proceedings
Though Masterson has been found guilty on two counts of rape, the legal process is far from over. The actor still faces sentencing, and it remains to be seen what punishment the court will decide upon. Additionally, the possibility of an appeal or further legal action related to the third count cannot be ruled out.
Conclusion
The guilty verdict in the Danny Masterson rape trial marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation around sexual assault and the role of powerful institutions in protecting perpetrators.
