‘That ‘70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison for rapes
By Ronny Reyes
Published Sep. 7, 2023, 2:42 p.m. ET
“That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for raping two women at the height of his celebrity two decades ago.
Masterson, 47, was found guilty of raping victims Jen B. and N. Trout in his Hollywood-area home back in 2003, when he enjoyed fame as part of the main cast of Fox’s hit sitcom.
Prosecutors alleged that Masterson used his celebrity and prominence in the Church of Scientology — where his victims were also members — to skirt the law and avoid accountability.
The victims testified that they were given drinks by Masterson that made them pass out, and he proceeded to violently rape them. Prosecutors said N. Trout was raped so viciously that she threw up in her mouth and begged Masterson to at least use a condom.
When the women reported Masterson to Scientology officials, they were told they were not raped and were put through an ethics program.
They told the court that Scientology officials also warned them not to report the crime to the police because Masterson was such a high-ranking member of the church.
Although a jury found Masterson guilty of two counts of rape following an initial deadlocked vote, the panel could not reach a unanimous verdict on a third count alleging Masterson also assaulted his longtime girlfriend Christina Bixler.
Masterson has denied any wrongdoing but did not testify in court, nor did his lawyers call any witnesses to the stand.
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https://nypost.com/2023/09/07/that-70s-show-actor-danny-masterson-sentenced-to-30-year-in-prison/
